Saturday, October 2, 2021

Hymn for St. Francis from New Liturgical Movement




 Hymn for 2nd Vespers of St Francis, taken from the proper Office composed for him shortly after his canonization, and used ever since then by the Franciscan Order.

 

Decus morum, dux Minorum,
Franciscus tenens bravium,
In te vite datur vitae,
Christe, redemptor omnium.

The glory of our way, the leader of the
Friars Minor, / Francis, holding his prize,
is given to life in Thee, the Vine,
O Christ, Redeemer of all.

Plaudat frater, regnat pater
Concivis caeli civibus;
Cedat fletus, psallat coetus,
Exsultet caelum laudibus.

Our brother hails, our father reigns
a fellow with heaven’s citizens;
Let weeping end, let the chorus sing,
Let heaven exult in praise.

Demptum solo, datum polo
Signorum probant opera;
Ergo vivit, nam adivit
Aeterna Christi munera.

His works of wonder prove that he is
Taken from earth, given to heaven;
Therefore he lives, for he entered
The eternal gifts of Christ.

Pro terrenis votis plenis
Reportat dona gloriae;
Quem decoras, quem honoras,
Summae Deus clementiae.

For the fullness of his prayers on earth
He receives the gifts of glory,
Whom Thou grace and honor,
O God greatest mercy.

Hunc sequantur, huic iungantur
Qui ex Aegypto exeunt,
In quo duce, clara luce,
Vexilla Regis prodeunt.

Let them follow him, and be joined to
him / Who march out of Egypt;
With him as leader, in bright light
The standards of the King go forth.

Regis signum ducem dignum
Insignit manu, latere;
Lux accedit, nox recedit,
Iam lucis orto sidere.

The sign of the king marks him on his
Side and hand as a worthy guide;
The light comes, the night departs,
When the star of day has risen.

Est dux fidus, clarum sidus,
Ducit, relucet, devia
Devitando, demonstrando
Beata nobis gaudia.

He is a trusty guide, a bright star
He leads, he shines, avoiding
The wrong path, showing
Blessed joys to us.

Mina gregem dux ad regem
Collisor hostis callidi,
Nos conducas et inducas,
Ad cœnam Agni providi. 
Amen.

Bring the flock to the king, our leader,
Who dash down the clever enemy;
May thou lead and bring us
To the banquet of the Lamb. 
Amen.

 

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