The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book
Chapter 4
Refrain Low in endless worship bent, Praise the Blessed Sacrament.
2. Angel hosts are hushed in wonder And adore with folded wings: For the lowly Species under, Hidden lies the King of Kings.
3. Tho' the Heav'nly choir rejoices Praise and sing His loving ear Seeks the tribute of our voices: 'Tis for us He waiteth here!
4. All He hath in highest Heaven Veiled in the Host we see: And to us the care is given Of His wondrous poverty.
5. Bread of Angels! Who can measure All it means? this daily food And the daily granted treasure Of His sacrificial Blood?
6. Bending low in adoration Ever constant let us be, Making Jesus Reparation For the worlds in constancy.
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M. Page 86-87
No. 57
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
O Food to Pilgrims Given O Esca Viatorum
17th Century H. Isaak (1493) Translated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt.D. Harmonized by J. S. Bach
Slowly
1. O Food of pilgrims given, Bread of the hosts of Heaven Thou Manna of the sky! Feed with the blessed sweetness, Of Thy divine completeness The hearts that for Thee sigh.
2. O Fountain ruby glowing, O stream of love outflowing From Jesus' pierc-ed Side! This thought alone shall bless us This one desire possess us, To drink of Thy sweet tide.
3. We love Thee, Jesu tender Who hid'st Thine awful splendor Beneath these veils of grace: O let the veils be riven, And our clear eye in heaven Behold Thee face to face!
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M. Page 88
No. 58
THE SACRED HEART
O Heart of Jesus, Heart of God
Lady G. Fullerton Nicola. A. Montani
Moderato
1. O Heart of Jesus, Heart of God, O source of boundless love; By angels praised, by saints adored From their bright throne above. The poorest, saddest heart on earth, May claim Thee for its own; O burning, throbbing Heart of Christ, Too late, too little known.
2. The hearts of men are often hard And full of selfish care; But in the Sacred Heart we find A refuge from despair. To Thee, my Jesus, then I come, A poor and helpless child; And on Thine own words "Come to Me," My only hope I build.
3. The world is cold, and life is sad, I crave this blessed rest Of those who lay their weary heads Upon Thy sacred Breast. For love is stronger far than death, And who can love like Thee, My Saviour, Whose appealing Heart Broke on the Cross for me?
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M. Page 89-90
No. 59
THE SACRED HEART
Sacred Heart of Jesus, fount of love
From a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A .M.
Slowly
1. Sacred Heart of Jesus, fount of love and mercy, Today we come Thy blessing to implore; Oh, touch our hearts, so cold and so ungrateful, And make them, Lord, Thine own forever more.
Refrain Sacred Heart of Jesus! We implore, Oh, makes us love Thee more and more.
2. Sacred Heart of Jesus! Make us know and love Thee, Unfold to us the treasures of Thy grace, That so our hearts, from things of earth up lifted, May long alone to gaze upon Thy Face.
3. Sacred Heart of Jesus! Make us pure and gentle, And teach us how to do Thy blessed will; To follow close the print of Thy dear footsteps, And when we fall Sacred Heart, oh, love us still.
4. Sacred Heart of Jesus! Bless all hearts that love Thee, And Thine own Heart ever blessed be; Bless us, dear Lord, and bless the friends we cherish, And keep us true to Mary and to Thee.
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M. Page 91-92
No. 60
THE SACRED HEART
Jesus, Creator of the world (Auctor beate saeculi)
Unison or two-part chorus Translated by Father Caswall J. d' Hooghe
Andantino
1. Jesus, Creator of the world! Of all mankind Redeemed blest! True God of God! In Whom we see The Father's Image clear expressed.
2. Thee, Saviour, love alone constrain'd To make our mortal flesh Thine own; And as a second Adam come, For the first Adam to atone.
3. That self same love that made the sky, Which made the sea, and stars, and earth, Took pity on our misery, And broke the bondage of our birth.
4. O Jesu! In Thy Heart divine May that same love forever glow, Forever mercy to mankind, From that exhaustless fountain flow.
5. For this Thy Sacred Heart was pierced, And both with Blood and Water ran; To cleanse us from the stains of guilt, And be the hope of strength of man.
6. To God the Father, and the Son, All praise, and pow'r, and glory be; With Thee, O holy Paraclete, Henceforth through a eternity.
Page 93-94
No. 61
THE SACRED HEART
To Jesus' Heart all burning
Aloys Schlor Nicola A. Montani
Slowly
1. To Jesus' Heart, all burning With fervent love for men, My heart with fondest yearning Shall raise its joyful strain.
Refrain While ages course along, Blest be with the loudest song The Sacred Heart of Jesus By ev'ry heart and tongue!
2. Too true I have forsaken Thy love by wilful sin; Yet now let me be taken Back by Thy grace again.
3. As Thou art meek and lowly, And ever pure of heart, So may my heart be wholly Of Thine the counterpart,
4. O that to me were given The pinions of a dove, I'd speed aloft to heaven, My Jesus' love to prove.
5. When life away is flying, And earth's false glare is done; Still, Sacred heart, in dying I'll say I'm all Thine own.
Page 95-96
No. 62
THE SACRED HEART
Heart of Jesus! golden chalice
Processional Bishop Casartelli Ch. Gounod Arr. by N. A. M.
Slowly with devotion
1. Heart of Jesus! golden chalice Brimming with the ruddy Wine, Trodden in the press of fury, Purest juice of truest vine, From the Vineyards of Engeddi, Quench this thirsty heart of mine.
2. Heart of Jesus! Comb of honey From the cleft of Calvary's rock, Sweetness coming from the Strong One, Dripping from the green-wood stock; Famishing of death is on us: Feed, oh, feed Thy hungry flock!
3. Heart of Jesus! Rose of Sharon Glist'ning with the dew of tears, All among the thorny prickles Lo! Thy blood-stained Head appears! Spread Thy fragrance all around us, Sweetly lulling all our fears!
4. Heart of Jesus! broken Vial Full of precious spikenard! Alabaster vase of ointment! See, our souls are sore and hard: Let Thy healing virtue touch them, And from sin's corruption guards!
Page 97
No. 63
THE SACRED HEART
To Christ, the Prince of Peace Summi Panentis filio
Processional Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Nicola A. Montani
With Spirit
1. To Christ, the Prince of Peace, And Son of God most high, The Father of the world to come, Sing we with holy joy. Deep in His heart for us The wound of love He bore; That love, wherewith He still inflames The hearts that Him adore.
2. O Jesus! Victim blest! What else but love divine, Could Thee constrain to open thus That Sacred Heat of Thine? O Fount of endless life! O Spring of water clear! O Flame celestial cleansing all Who unto Thee draws near.
3. Hide me in Thy dear Heart, For thither do I fly; There seek Thy grace thro' life, In death Thine immortality. Praise to the Father be, And sole begotten Son, Praise, Holy Paraclete, to Thee While endless ages run.
Page 98
No. 64
THE SACRED HEART
O Heart of Jesus, purest Heart (Cor Jesu, Cor purissimum)
Translated by Father M. Russell, S. J. Traditional Melody
Con anima
1. O Heart of Jesus, purest Heart, A Shrine of holiness Thou art; Cleanse Thou, my heart, so sordid cold, And stained by sins so manifold.
2. Take from me, Lord, this tepid will, Which doth Thy Heart with loathing fill; And then infuse a spirit new, A fervent spirit, deep and true.
3. Most humble Heart of all that beat, Heart full of goodness, meek and sweet, Give me a heart more like to Thine, And light the flame of love in mine.
4. But, ah, were e'en my heart on fire With all the seraphim's desire, Till love a conflagration proved, Not yet wouldst Thou enough be loved.
Page 99
No.65
THE SACRED HEART
O dearest Love divine
Rt. Rev. Msgr. H. T. Henry, Litt. D. Nicola A. Montani
Andante devoto
1. O dearest love divine, My heart to Thee I give, Exchanging it for Thine, That Thou in me may'st live. Most loving and most meek, Hearts only dost Thou seek: O may my heart but prove A love like Thine, sweet Love!
2. Who can requite the love Shown in the wondrous plan, Whereby the God above For me became a Man? Thou say'st "Give Me thy heart!" With it I freely part Hoping that it may prove A love like Thine, sweet Love!
3. Thy heart is opened wide That, freely ent'ring in, I may Thy guest abide, And new life begin. This doest Thou, to gain My love, and e'er retain: O may my answer prove A love like Thine, sweet Love!
4. Here in Thy Heart I find A haven of sweet rest, An ever-quite mind, A mansion of the Blest. Rock that was cleft for me, Behold, I fly to Thee, Like a world-weary dove, Home to its mated Love!
Page 100
No. 66
THE SACRED HEART
Sacred Heart! in accents burning
Sacred Song Eleanor C. Donnelly (By permission) Ch. Gounod Adapted and arr. by N. A. Montani
Moderato
1. Sacred Heart in accents burning Pour we forth our love of Thee; Here our hopes and here our yearnings Meet and mingle tenderly. Heart of mercy ever eager, All our woes and wounds to heal! Heart, most patient, Heart most pure! To our souls, Thy depths reveal.
Refrain Sacred Heart of our Redeemer! Pierced with love on Calvary! Heart of Jesus ever loving, Make us burn with love of Thee! Praise to Thee! O Sacred Heart!
2. Heart of bounty Thou art bringing All Thy thirsting children here, Where the living waters springing Tell of hope and comfort near. O Thou Source of ev'ry blessing! Sweetest, strongest, holiest, blest! Be our treasure here on earth, And in Heav'n be Thou our rest.
Page 101-102
No. 67
THE SACRED HEART
All ye who seek a comfort sure
(Old Office of the Sacred Heart) Translated by Father Caswall Nicola A. Montani
Maestoso
1. All ye who seek a comfort sure In trouble and distress, Whatever sorrow vex the mind, Or guilt the soul oppress: Jesus, who gave Himself for you Upon the Cross to die, Opens to you His sacred Heart; Oh, to that Heart draw nigh!
2. Ye hear how kindly He invites; Ye hear His words so blest: "All ye that labor, come to Me, And I will give you rest." What meeker than the Saviour's Heart? As on the Cross He lay; It did His murderers forgive, And for their pardon pray.
3. O Heart! Thou joy of Saints on high, Thou Hope of sinners here! Attracted by these loving words, To Thee I lift my pray'r. Wash Thou my wounds in that dear Blood Which forth from Thee doth flow, New grace, new hope, inspire; a new And better heart bestow.
Page 103-104
No. 68
THE SACRED HEART
A Message from the Sacred Heart
Father M. Russell Nicola A. Montani
Allegro Moderato
1. A message from the Sacred Heart; What may its message be? "My Child, My Child, give Me thy heart My Heart has bled for thee." This is the message Jesus sends To my poor heart today, And eager from His Throne He bends To hear what I shall say.
2. A message to the Sacred Heart; Oh, bear it back with speed; "Come, Jesus, reign within my heart Thy Heart is all I need." Thus, Lord, I'll pray until I share That home whose joy Thou art; No message, dearest Jesus, there, For heart will speak to heart.
Page 105
No. 69
THE SACRED WOUNDS
There is an everlasting home
M. Bridges M. Mattoni
Slowly
1. There is an everlasting home Where contrite souls may hide, Where death and danger dare not come The Saviour's side.
2. It was cleft of matchless love Open'd when He had died: When mercy hailed in worlds above That wounded Side.
3. Hail, Rock of Ages, pierced for me, The grave of all my pride; Hope, peace and heav'n are all in Thee, Thy shelt'ring Side.
4. There issued forth a double flood, The sin atoning tide, In streams of water and of blood From that dear Side.
5. There is the only fount of bliss, In joy and sorrow tried; No refuge for the heart like this A Saviour's Side.
6. Thither the Church, thro' all her days Points as a faithful guide; And celebrates with ceaseless praise That spear-pierced Side.
7. There is the golden gate of heav'n, An entrance for the Bride, Where the sweet crown of life is giv'n Through Jesus' Side.
Page 106
No. 70
THE SACRED WOUNDS
Hail, Rock of Ages
(From the Hymn "There is an everlasting home" No. 69) M. Bridges Nicola A. Montani
Moderato (alla breve)
1. Hail, Rock of Ages, pierced for me, The grave of all my pride: Hope, peace and heav'n are all in Thee, Thy shelt'ring Side.
2. There issued forth a double flood The sin atoning tide, In streams of water and of blood From that dear Side.
3. There is the only fount of bliss, In joy and sorrow tried; No refuge for the heart like this A Saviour's Side.
4. There is the golden gate of heav'n, An entrance for the Bride, Where the sweet crown of life is giv'n, Through Jesus' Side.
Page 107
No. 71
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
Hail, Jesus, hail! (Viva! Viva! Gesu)
From the Italian by Father Faber Nicola A. Montani
Con Spirito
1. Hail, Jesus, hail! Who for my sake Sweet Blood from Mary's veins didst take, And shed it all for me; Oh, blessed by my Saviour's Blood, My life, my light, my only good, To all eternity, To all eternity.
2. To endless ages let us praise The Precious Blood, whose price could raise The world from wrath and sin; Whose streams our inward thirst appease, And heal the sinner's worst disease, If he but bathe therein, If he but bathe therein.
3. Oh, to be sprinkled from the wells Of Christ's own Sacred Blood, Excels Earth's best and highest bliss: Oh ministers of wrath divine Hurt not the happy hearts that shine With those red drops of His, With those red drops of His.
4. Ah! There is joy amid the saints, And hell's despairing courage faints When this sweet song we raise: Oh louder then, and louder still, Earth with one mighty chorus fill, The Precious Blood to praise, The Precious Blood to praise.
Page 108-109
No. 72
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
Glory be to Jesus (Viva! Viva! Gesu)
See also Hymn No. 18 Tr. Rev. E. Caswall Nicola A. Montani
Allegro modto
1. Glory be to Jesus, Who in bitter pains Poured for me the life-blood From His Sacred Veins. Grace and life eternal In that Blood I find; Blest be His compassion, Infinitely kind!
2. Blest thro' endless ages Be the precious stream, Which from endless torment Doth the world redeem! There the fainting spirit Drinks of life her fill; There, as in a fountain, Laves herself at will.
3. Abel's Blood for vengeance Pleading to the skies; But the Blood of Jesus For our pardon cries. Oft as it is sprinkled On our guilty hearts, Satan in confusion Terror-struck departs.
4. Oft as earth exulting Wafts its praise on high, Hell with terror trembles, Heav'n is filled with joy. Lift ye, then, your voices, Swell the mighty flood; Louder still, and louder Praise the Precious Blood.
Page 110
No. 73
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail, thou Star of ocean! Ave Maris Stella
Translated by Father Caswall M. Taddei
Andante religioso
1. Hail, thou start of the ocean! Portal of the sky, Ever Virgin Mother Of the Lord most high!
2. Oh! By Gabriel's Ave, Uttered long ago, Eva's name reversing, 'Stablish peace below.
3. Break the captive's fetters; Light on blindness pour; All our ills expelling, Ev'ry bliss implore.
4. Show thyself a Mother; Offer Him our sighs, Who for us Incarnate Did not thee despise.
5. Virgin of all Virgins! To thy shelter take us; Gentlest of the gentle! Chaste and gentle make us.
6. Still as on we journey, Help our weak endeavor; Till with thee and Jesus We rejoice forever.
7. Thro' the highest Heaven, To the Almighty Three, Father Son, Holy Spirit, One same glory be.
Page 111
No. 74
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Ave Maria! O Maiden, O Mother Star of the Sea
Sister M. From a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.
Slowly: with expression
1. Ave Maria! O Maiden, O Mother, Fondly thy children are calling on thee, Thine are the graces unclaimed by another, Sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea!
Refrain Mater Amabilis, ora pro nobis! Pray for thy children who call upon thee; Ave Sanctissima! Ave purissima! Sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea!
2. Ave Maria! The night shades are falling, Softly our voices arise unto thee, Earth's lonely exiles for succor are calling, Sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea!
3. Ave Maria! Thy children are kneeling, Words of endearment are murmured to thee; Softly thy spirit upon us is stealing Sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea!
4. Ave Maria! Thou portal of Heaven, Harbor of refuge, to thee we do flee: Lost in the darkness, by stormy winds driven, Shine on our pathway, fair Star of the Sea!
Page 112-113
No. 75
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Daily, daily sing to Mary (A) Omni die dic Mariae
St. Casimir Translated by Father Bittlestone Traditional Melody Arr. by N. A. M.
With spirit
1. Daily, daily sing of Mary, Sing, my soul, her praises due; All her feats, her actions worship With the hearts devotion true. Lost in wond'ring contemplation, Be her majesty confest! Call her Mother, call her Virgin, Happy Mother, Virgin blest!
2. She is mighty to deliver; Call her, trust her lovingly: When the tempest rages round thee, She will calm the troubled sea. Gifts of Heaven she has given Noble lady! To our race: She, the Queen, who decks her subjects With the light of God's own grace.
3. Sing my tongue, the Virgin's trophies, Who for us our Maker bore; For the curse of old inflicted, Peace and blessing to restore. Sing the songs of praise unending Sing the world's majestic Queen. Weary not nor faint in telling All the gifts she gives to men.
4. All my senses, heart, affections, Strive to sound her glory forth: Spread abroad the sweet memorials Of the Virgin's priceless worth: Where the voice of music thrilling, Where the tongue of eloquence, That can utter hymns beseeming All her matchless excellence?
Page 114-115
No.76
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Daily, daily sing to Mary (B)
St. Casimir Processional Father Bittlestone Nicola. A. Montani
Allegre modto
1. Daily, daily sing of Mary, Sing, my soul, her praises due; All her feats, her actions worship With the hearts devotion true. Lost in wond'ring contemplation, Be her majesty confest! Call her Mother, call her Virgin, Happy Mother, Virgin blest! Call her Mother, call her Virgin, Happy Mother, Virgin blest!
2. She is mighty to deliver; Call her, trust her lovingly: When the tempest rages round thee, She will calm the troubled sea. Gifts of Heaven she has given Noble lady! To our race: She, the Queen, who decks her subjects With the light of God's own grace. She, the Queen, who decks her subjects With the light of God's own grace.
3. Sing my tongue, the Virgin's trophies, Who for us our Maker bore; For the curse of old inflicted, Peace and blessing to restore. Sing the songs of praise unending Sing the world's majestic Queen. Weary not nor faint in telling All the gifts she gives to men. Weary not nor faint in telling All the gifts she gives to men.
4. All my senses, heart, affections, Strive to sound her glory forth: Spread abroad the sweet memorials Of the Virgin's priceless worth: Where the voice of music thrilling, Where the tongue of eloquence, That can utter hymns beseeming All her matchless excellence? That can utter hymns beseeming All her matchless excellence?
Page 116-117
No. 77
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Mother of Mercy Mater Misericordiae
Father Faber S. M. Yenn
Andante religioso
1. Mother of mercy, day by day, My love of thee grows more and more; Thy gifts are strewn upon my way Like sands upon the great seashore. Thy gifts are strewn upon my way Like sands upon the great seashore.
2. Though poverty and work and woe The masters of my life may be, When times are worst who does not know Darkness is light with love of thee? When times are worst who does not know Darkness is light with love of thee?
3. But scornful men have coldly said Thy love was leading me from God; And yet in this I did but tread The very path my Saviour trod. And yet in this I did but tread The very path my Saviour trod.
4. They know but little of Thy worth Who speak the heartless words to me, For what did Jesus love on earth One half so tenderly as thee? For what did Jesus love on earth One half so tenderly as thee?
Copyright 1920 by N. A. M. Page 118-119
No.78
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail, all hail, great Queen of Heaven!
Our Lady of Lourdes Processional
(The melody of Hymn No. 76 "Daily, Daily" may be used with this text, with repetition of the last two lines of the refrain.)
Traditional Melody (1750) "Pone luctum"
With spirit
1. Hail! all hail, great Queen of Heaven! Hail! Sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes, 'Neath whose care our weary exile Is from countless ills secured!
Refrain Then let men and Angels praise thee For each blessing thou'st procured, While in gladsome strains we're singing, Hail! Sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes!
2. Blest be thou above all others, Mary, mistress of the spheres, Star of hope, serenely beaming Thro' this darksome vale of tears.
3. Happy angels joy to own thee, O'er their choirs exalted high, Thron'd in blissful light and beauty, Empress of the starry sky.
4. As the fount is still unsealing Its pure treasure softly fair, May each drop be fraught with healing, Dearest Mother, at thy pray'r.
Note: For Congregational singing it is suggested that the hymn be transposed a full tone lower.
Page 120-121
No. 79
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
O purest of creatures
The Immaculate Conception Father Faber Nicola A. Montani
Slowly
1. O purest of the creatures! Sweet Mother, sweet maid! The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid! Dark night hath come down on us Mother! And we Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea! Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
2. Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world, And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurl'd: And the tempest-tost Church all her eyes are on Thee, They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea! They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
3. The Church doth what God had first taught her to do; He looked o'er the world to find hearts that were true; Thro' the ages He looked, and He found none but thee, And He loved thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea! And He loved thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
4. He gazed on thy soul; it was spotless and fair; For the empire of sin it had never been there; None had ever owned thee, dear Mother, but He, And He bless'd thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea! And He bless'd thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Page 122-123
No. 80
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Whither thus, in holy rapture? Quo sanctus ardor te rapit
The Visitation Translated by the Rev. E. Caswall from a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M.
Joyously
1. Wither thus in holy rapture, Royal maiden, art thou bent? Why so fleetly art thou speeding Up the mountain's rough ascent? Filled with th'Eternal Godhead! Glowing with the Spirit's flame! Love it is that bears the onward, And supports thy tender frame.
2. Lo thine aged cousin claims thee, Claims thy sympathy and care; God her shame from her hath taken, He hath heard her fervent pray'r. Blessed Mothers! Joyful meeting! Thou in her, the hand of God, She in thee, with lips inspired, Owns the Mother of her Lord.
3. As the sun, his face concealing, In a cloud withdraws from sight, So in Mary then lay hidden He Who is the world's true light. Honor, glory, virtue, merit, Be to Thee, O Virgin's Son! With the Father, and the Spirit, While eternal ages run.
Page 124-125
No. 81
THE BLESSED VIRGIN
Hail Virgin, dearest Mary
Queen of May S. M. Venn
Moderato
1. Hail Virgin, dearest Mary! Our lovely Queen of May! A spotless, blessed Lady, Our lovely Queen of May. Thy children, humbly bending, Surround thy shrine so dear; With heart and voice ascending, Sweet Mary, hear our pray'r.