Sacris Solemniis

At this our solemn feast let holy joys abound,

and from the inmost breast let songs of praise resound;

let ancient rites depart, and all be new around,

in every act, and voice, and heart.

Remember we that eve, when, the Last Supper spread,

Christ, as we all believe, the Lamb, with leavenless bread,

among His brethren shared, and thus the Law obeyed,

of all unto their sire declared.

The typic Lamb consumed, the legal Feast complete,

the Lord unto the Twelve His Body gave to eat;

the whole to all, no less the whole to each did mete

with His own hands, as we confess.

He gave them, weak and frail, His Flesh, their Food to be;

on them, downcast and sad, His Blood bestowed He:

and thus to them He spake: "Receive this Cup from Me,

and all of you of this partake."

So He this Sacrifice to institute did will,

and charged His priests alone that office to fulfill:

to them He did confide: to whom it pertains still

to take, and the rest divide.

Thus Angels' Bread is made the Bread of man today:

the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away:

O miraculous gift indeed!

the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed.

Thee, therefore, we implore, O Godhead, One in Three,

so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee;

and lead us on Thy way, that we at last may see

the light wherein Thou dwellest aye. Amen.