Saint Thomas Aquinas, the scholastic powerhouse and Dominican Saint was influential in laying the groundwork for the theological thought in the 13th century. Scholasticism was a movement aimed at bridging the gap between early classical philosophy like Aristotle to Christian thought. One of Saint Thomas’s great works is the Summa Theologica. Saint Thomas also composed Pangue Lingua, a hymn for the Eucharistic presence for the feast of Corpus Christi. The last two verses Tantum Ergo sung at benediction are profound.
Tantum Ergo
TANTUM ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
DOWN IN ADORATION FALLING
DOWN in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail,
Lo! oe’r 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 Spirit proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pray for us!
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