Veni Creator Spiritus

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Veni Creator Spiritus is a hymn normally sung in Gregorian Chant and is considered the "most famous of hymns." It was written by Rabanus Maurus in the 9th century. The hymn is normally associated with the Roman Catholic Church where it is often sung at occasions such as the entrance of Cardinals to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, as well as the consecration of bishops, the ordination of priests, the dedication of churches, the celebration of synods or councils, the coronation of kings and other solemn events. It means "come Holy Spirit Creator" and commemorates the feast of Pentecost. The hymn was probably first assigned to Vespers. One eleventh century manuscript has it at both Lauds and Vespers. Its use at Terce is said to have begun at Cluny as it thus commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost at the third hour of the day. Below is the original Latin and its English translation:

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Latin English
Veni, Creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita
Imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.
Qui Paraclitus diceris,
Donum Dei Altissimi,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.
Tu septiformis munere,
dextrae Dei tu digitus;
tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.
Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti.
Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque duces protinus,
ductore sic te praevio,
vitemus omne noxium.
Per te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.
Sit laus Patri cum Filio,
Sancto simul Paraclito:
nobisque mittat Filius
charisma Sancti Spiritus.
Amen.
Come, Creator, Spirit,
visit the souls of your own;
fill with heavenly grace
the breasts that you have created
You who are called Paraclete,
gift of the most high God,
living water, flame, charity,
and spiritual annointing;
You who are sevenfold in your gift,
finger of God's right hand,
you who were rightly promised by the Father,
enrich our throats with speech.
Inflame the light of our senses,
pour love into our hearts,
the weakness of our bodies
strengthen with lasting power.
Drive the enemy far back,
and at once grant us peace;
with you going ahead of us,
may we avoid all harm.
Through you may we know the Father
and recognize the Son;
and may we always believe in you,
Spirit of both.
To God the Father be glory,
to the Son who is risen
and to the Spirit, the Paraclete,
For ages unending.
Amen.

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Prayers of the Catholic Church
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