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"Ave verum corpus" is a short Eucharistic chant that has been set to music by many composers. It dates to the 13th century, first recorded in a central Italian Franciscan manuscript. A manuscript of the 14th century attributes it to Pope Innocent VI.
VOCES8 sings William Byrd's setting of 'Ave Verum' in the VOCES8 Centre in London. This music was composed by the famous English composer William Byrd. Byrd who was born circa 1540 and died on the 4th of July 1623 (400 Years Ago) was a Renaissance composer who converted to Catholicism during the persecution in England...
During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the Eucharist during the consecration at Mass. It was also used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The prayer is a meditation on Jesus's Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, and ties it to the redemptive meaning of suffering in the life of all believers.
Text in Latin
Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis prægustatum in mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Miserere mei. Amen.
English : Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary,
truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet] in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus, O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.
During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the Eucharist during the consecration at Mass. It was also used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The prayer is a meditation on Jesus's Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, and ties it to the redemptive meaning of suffering in the life of all believers.
Text in Latin
Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis prægustatum in mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Miserere mei. Amen.
English : Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary,
truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet] in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus, O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.
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