Vexilla Regis
To venerate the Holy Cross
The standard of the King appears, the mystery of the Cross shines forth on which Life endured death and from death brought forth life.
Life, wounded by the lance’s cruel point so as to wash us clean from the stains of sin, poured forth water and Blood.
Fulfilled were the events that David prophesied in his unerring song addressed to the nations: God has reigned from the wood.
O gleaming and beauteous tree, decked out with the royal purple, chosen from a worthy stock to touch the sacred limbs of God.
Blessed tree, on whose arms hung the ransom of the world: weighed his Body on your balance which carried off the spoils of hell.
Vexílla regis pródeunt, fulget crucis mystérium, quo carne carnis cónditor suspénsus est patibulo.
Quo vulneratus insuper mucróne diro lánceae, ut nos laváret crimine, manávit unda et sánguine.
Arbor decóra et fúlgida, ornáta regis púrpura, elécta, digno stípite tam sancta membra tángere!
Beáta cuius bráchiis pretium pepéndit sæculi! Statéra facta est córporis praedam tulítque tartari.
Salve ara, salve víctima de passiónis glória, qua vita mortem pértulit et morte vitam réddidit.
Hail, O Cross, our only hope: in this time of Passion give added grace to the faithful and forgive sinners their offences.
O Crux, ave, spes única! hoc passiónis témpore
piis adáuge grátiam, reisque dele crímina.
May every spirit together praise You, O Trinity, spring of salvation: and to those whom You grant the victory of the Cross, give also its reward. Amen.
Te, fons salútis Trínitas, colláudet omnis spíritus: quos per Crucis mystérium salvas, fove per saécula. Amen.