"Come, Holy Spirit"
you may know the plainchant melody that accompanies this powerful text. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And kindle with celestial fire; Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above Is comfort, life, and fire of love; Enable with perpetual light The dullness of our blinded sight. Anoint and cheer our soiled face With the abundance of thy grace; Keep far our foes; give peace at home; Where thou art guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee, of both, to be but one; That through the ages all along Thy praise may be our endless song: "Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." --- VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS, attributed to Rabanus Maurus, 9th century; English translation by John Cosin, 1627. Have a great week, Chip Stam |