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Ave Verum Corpus

Marian Chant Antiphon

Ave Verum Corpus (Hail True Body) is a Eucharistic chant dating to the 13th century, attributed to Pope Innocent VI. It was used during the elevation of the Host during Mass, and frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Its usage was granted three years indulgence by Pope Leo.

The chant is a meditation on the True Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Eucharist, and is especially relevant to the Feast of Corpus Christi. The hymn has also inspired diverse musical settings, perhaps the most famous of which is Mozart's. Other noteworthy settings are those of Lassus, Byrd, Charpentier and Saint-Saëns (another here).

Ave Verum Corpus is here interpreted by the Benedictine Monks of Silos.



Listen to Ave Verum Corpus



Lyrics:

Latin text:

Ave Verum Corpus, natum
De Maria Virgine,
Vere passum, immolatum
In Cruce pro homine
Cuius latus perforatum
Fluxit aqua et sanguine:
Esto nobis prægustatum
In mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie,
O Iesu, Fili Mariae.
English translation:

Hail, true Body, born
Of the Virgin Mary,
Truly suffered, sacrificed
On the Cross for mankind,
From whose pierced side
Flowed water and blood:
Be for us a foretaste [of Heaven]
In the trial of death.
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, Son of Mary.


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Ave Verum

(1)

For a high-resolution JPG version, click here.

For a PDF version, click here.


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Ave Verum Missal

The Elevation of the Host,
Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410).
Courtesy of the Getty Museum Collection here.

  1. Sheet music courtesy of Gregobase, here.


 


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