a fragment of an alphabetic hymn

 

Durham Hymnal: Fit porta Christi pervia

 

Walpole: “a fragment of an alphabetic hymn, the rest of which is lost.  In Mozarabic use … this hymn was sung only in die sanctae Mariae”. Milfull: “this hymn seems to be intended for the Assumption of Mary in DVm …In H and its collector it is assigned to Compline of the third and fourth Sunday in Advent and of the Annunciation”.

 

FIT PORTA CHRISTI PERVIA,

referta, plena gratia,

transitque rex & permanet

clausa, ut fuit, per secula.

           

Genus superni numinis

processit aula virginis,

sponsus, redemptor, conditor,

sue gigas aecclesiae.

 

Honor matris & gaudium,

inmensa spes credentium

per atra mortis pocula

resolvit nosrra crimina.

 

Deo patri sit Gloria

 

A gate for Christ to pass through is made, filled with the fullness of grace, the King goes through but it remains closed, as it was, forever. The progeny of the heavenly God proceeds from the virginal womb, the bridegroom, the redeemer, the creator, the giant of the Church. The honor and joy of the mother, the immense hope of  believers, by drinking the dark cup of death he absolves all sins.