PRO TEMPORE

VENI CREATOR SPIRITVS

Come, Creator Spirit

Veni Creator Spiritus, attributed to Rabanus Maurus (9th century), is the great invocation of the Holy Spirit. It is sung at Pentecost, ordinations, papal elections, councils, and whenever the Church solemnly invokes the Spirit's guidance. The hymn addresses the Spirit under multiple titles: Paraclete, sevenfold gift, finger of God's right hand, and promise of the Father.

LATINE
Veni, Creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.
Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae,
Tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis
virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque dones protinus:
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.
Per Te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium;
Teque utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio, qui a mortuis
surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.
ENGLISH
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come
from Thy bright heavenly throne;
come, take possession of our souls,
and make them all Thine own.
Thou who art called the Paraclete,
best gift of God above,
the living spring, the living fire,
sweet unction and true love.
Thou who art sevenfold in Thy grace,
finger of God's right hand;
His promise, teaching little ones
to speak and understand.
O guide our minds with Thy blest light,
with love our hearts inflame;
and with Thy strength, which ne'er decays,
confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
true peace unto us bring;
and through all perils lead us safe
beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
through Thee th'eternal Son,
and Thee the Spirit of them both,
thrice-blessed Three in One.
All glory to the Father be,
with His co-equal Son:
the same to Thee, great Paraclete,
while endless ages run. Amen.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
NOTA
FONS
Rabanus Maurus (c. 776-856); Breviarium Romanum
USUS
Pentecost, ordinations, papal conclaves, councils, confirmation
CONTEXT
A partial indulgence is granted for its recitation. The hymn invokes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and has been set by countless composers.