Corpus Christi

Here we see the west door of the Abbey Church. The monks and lay brothers approached the church through their own entrances. We do not know how many important guests were received at the West Door. Of course, the most important Guest to enter the Abbey Church was Our Lord, hidden under forms of bread and wine. It was the Risen Lord, brought present at the altar and reserved in the tabernacle to whom the worshippers gave their adoration and praise. We add our voices to theirs on this joyful feast.



Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour,
first-begotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!

Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou art here, we ask not how.

Though the lowliest form doth veil thee
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there thine angels hail thee,
branch and flower of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We in worship join with them.

Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished
once for all when thou was slain,
in its fullness undiminished
shall for evermore remain.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cleansing souls from every stain.

Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
stricken Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Risen, ascended, glorified!



Happy Feast!