Music for Maundy Thursday: Pange Lingua

The pange lingua is THE song for Maundy Thursday. Words by Thomas Aquinas. Sung in Gregorian chant here by the Gregorian Choir of Paris.

Sing, my tongue, the Saviour'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

wond'rously His Life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,

seated with His chosen band,

He, the Paschal Victim eating,

first fulfils 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,

O'er 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, honour, blessing,

Might and endless majesty.

Amen. Alleluia.