DIVINUM OFFICIUM Hymn

Hymnus

Common of Apostles - Lauds Hymn

'Aeterna Christi munera' (The eternal gifts of Christ) celebrates the Apostles' 'gloriam, palmas, et hymnos' (glory, palms of victory, and hymns of praise). The second stanza names them 'Ecclesiarum Principes, belli triumphales duces, caelestis aulae milites' (Princes of Churches, triumphant war-leaders, soldiers of the heavenly court) - combining ecclesiastical, military, and courtly imagery. The versicle and response from Psalm 18:5 frames their glory as proclamation reaching earth's ends. This hymn, attributed to St. Ambrose, has been sung at apostolic feasts since the 4th century, making each recitation a participation in centuries of apostolic praise.

LATINE
Aeterna Christi munera,
Apostolorum gloriam,
Palmas et hymnos debitos
Laetis canamus mentibus.
Ecclesiarum Principes,
Belli triumphales duces,
Caelestis aulae milites,
Et vera mundi lumina.
V. In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum.
R. Et in fines orbis terrae verba eorum.
ENGLISH
O eternal Ruler of the sky,
Redeemer of the faithful flock,
The Way, the Truth, the Life on high,
Look down upon thy lowly folk.
These servants thou didst choose of old
To be the messengers of grace,
And send them forth to every place
To gather in thy scattered fold.
V. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth.
R. And their words unto the ends of the world.
NOTA
FONS
Breviarium Romanum (1962)
USUS
Common of Apostles - Lauds Hymn
HORA
Lauds
GENVS
Hymn