Tantum ergo

Duruflé, Maurice (1902–1986)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SATB

Accompaniment:
Unaccompanied

Function/Language(s):
Latin

Occasion:

Proper of Time → The Sacred Paschal Triduum → Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper, at the Evening Mass
Proper of Time → The Weeks in Ordinary Time → Second Sunday in Ordinary Time → Cycle A
Communion

Publication Information:
Durand — D & F 13901 (1960)

Text Information:
Reference: Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225–1274), Final two verses of Pange lingua
Source: Graduale Romanum

Lyrics:

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et jubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio. Amen. 

English translation:
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who reigns on high,
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from Each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might, and endless majesty. Amen.

Notes: In addition to being sung upon the arrival of the Blessed Sacrament at the place of repose, it can be used as a prelude to the Mass, as a foreshadowing mediation on what is to come at the conclusion of the liturgy.
Submitted by: Brian Luckner Added: Nov 24, 2021 Last updated: May 14, 2022