Since Mass on Saturday evening, this song has been on an unending cycle in my brain, and often I catch myself humming out loud. According to catholicculture.org this penitential hymn is based on a 10th century Mozarabic Litany for the Lenten Season.
PS If you have a Latin student, it's good practice to sit and read the lyrics.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
To Thee, highest King,
Redeemer of all,
do we lift up our eyes
in weeping:
Hear, O Christ, the prayers
of your servants.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
Right hand of the Father,
corner-stone,
way of salvation,
gate of heaven,
wash away our
stains of sin.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
We beseech Thee, God,
in Thy great majesty:
Hear our groans
with Thy holy ears:
calmly forgive
our crimes.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
To Thee we confess
our sins admitted
with a contrite heart
We reveal the things hidden:
By Thy kindness, O Redeemer,
overlook them.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
The Innocent, seized,
not refusing to be led;
condemned by false witnesses
because of impious men
O Christ, keep safe those
whom Thou hast redeemed.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.
.
Oh, that is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOur choir sang this on Sunday! I love it.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite hymns that I hum all the time, too. Sadly, our new pastor is eradicating the use of Latin in our parish. We're not even sure we'll be allowed to sing hymns in Latin. :-( :-(
ReplyDeleteIt is, Jamie. And the chant...oh the chant.
ReplyDeleteSo did ours, Leila, which is why I have been humming.
Oh Sara, that makes me so, so sad. While we attend the N.O. Mass we sing the Kyrie and the Agnus Dei, and quite a few Latin hymns. It's a lovely compromise for those who love the more traditional Mass. I can't imagine wanting to get rid of the Latin. Our Father Bennett used to tease that God hears better in Latin, and always gave blessings in Latin. I think we should have more, not less.
The Vatican thinks we should have more Latin, not less, too. Praying for priests alot these days!
ReplyDeleteThat's a favorite here too. What a fabulous piece to have 'stuck in your head', and such a beautiful way to pray without ceasing!
ReplyDelete