The Sacred Triduum - Holy Thursday

Today we begin the Sacred Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.  These days are the pinnacle of the liturgical year and commemorate the Paschal Mystery of Christ's salvific mission, which continues through His Church and through time.  Christ's passion, death and resurrection are the dividing point of all human history and the source of our hope in Christ.

Our posts at this solemn and holy time will, for the next few days, be focused on these sacred mysteries.  We wish you, dear friends in Christ, every grace and blessing.  May you, and all those you love, be filled with the hope and joy of our Lord's Resurrection.

Pange Lingua - Saint Thomas Aquinas

Holy Thursday - "Pange Lingua Gloriosi"

Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium is a hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) for the Feast of Corpus Christi (now called the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ). It is also sung on Holy Thursday, during the procession from the church to the place where the Blessed Sacrament is kept until Good Friday.

English Translation

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory,

of His flesh the mystery sing;

of the Blood, all price exceeding,

shed by our immortal King,

destined, for the world's redemption,

from a noble womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin

born for us on earth below,

He, as Man, with man conversing,

stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;

then He closed in solemn order

wondrously His life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,

seated with His chosen band,

He the Pascal victim eating,

first fulfills the Law's command;

then as Food to His Apostles

gives Himself with His own hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature

by His word to Flesh He turns;

wine into His Blood He changes;

what though sense no change discerns?

Only be the heart in earnest,

faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,

This great Sacrament we hail,

Over ancient forms of worship

Newer rites of grace prevail;

Faith will tell us Christ is present,

When our human senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,

And the Son who made us free

And the Spirit, God proceeding

From them Each eternally,

Be salvation, honor, blessing,

Might and endless majesty.

Amen. Alleluia.

Living Holy Week: Holy Thursday - Cardinal Rigali