Hail, festal day! through every age divine,
When God's fair grace from heav'n to earth did shine.
Lo! God the Spirit to th'apostles' hearts
This day in form of fire herself imparts.
Hail, Breath of Life! Hail, Holy Fount of Light!
Life-giving Fire of radiance ever bright!
Thou Good all good containing, Peace Divine!
Fill with thy sweetness all these hearts of thine.
Some foretaste grant us of thy secret things,
The overshadowing of angels' wings;
To love divine our lips and hearts inspire,
By flying seraph touched with altar fire.
Venantius Fortunatus, 6th cent.;
tr. Theodore A. Lacey, 1884; alt.
Tune: FIELD (10.10.10.10)
Calvin W. Laufer, 1918
This ancient hymn for the birthday of the church is is similar to one seen before heretwo years ago, but this is a different translation and musical arrangement. As often discussed here, the concept of the Holy Spirit as female is not a modern one.
Five Years Ago: Joy! because the circling year
Fout Years Ago: O prophet souls of all the years
Three Years Ago: Above the starry spheres
Two Years Ago: Hail thee, festival day!
One Year Ago: O God, the Holy Ghost
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