S. FRANCISCI ASSISIENSIS: XV saec.

 S. FRANCISCI ASSISIENSIS: XV saec.  

 

The unknown author of this hymn uses the common device in medieval hymns of  ascribing to the saint the virtues of every type of saint, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins.

 

In cælésti collégio

Francíscus fulget glória,

insígni privilégio

Christi portans insígnia.

 

Hic cœtus apostólici

est factus consors páuperis,

crucem in se domínici

signum repórtans fœderis.

 

Hic martyr desidério

crucem post Iesum báiulat,

quem mártyrum consórtio

Christus in cælis cópulat.

 

Crucem per abstinéntiam

Francíscus ferens iúgiter,

iam confessórum glóriam

adéptus est felíciter.

 

Candens decóre níveo,

passum hic sequens Dóminum,

nunc castitátis præmio

gaudet in choro vírginum.

 

Pater, Natus cum Flámine

nos per Francísci vúlnera

lustrent divíno lúmine,

ætérna dantes múnera. Amen.

 

In the heavenly company, Francis shines in glory, by special privilege, carrying the marks of Christ. One of the apostolic band, he was made consort of the poor, proclaiming in himself the Lord’s cross, the sign of the  covenant.  Martyr by desire, he carries the cross after Jesus, Christ unites him with the martyr’s host in heaven.  Francis, ever bearing the cross through abstinence, now happily gains the glory of the confessors.  Bright as snow, following his suffering Lord, now by chastity’s reward he rejoices in the choir of virgins. Father, Son, with flaming Spirit, through the wounds of Francis, grant us eternal rewards and shine upon us the divine light. Amen