Based on 1 Cor. 11:26 and Rom 8:18, the eucharistic text O sacrum convivium celebrates the efficacies of the Lord’s Supper and affirms the eschatological wedding feast that is anticipated in every Holy Communion service. The text is commonly attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274).
O sacrum convivium, in quo Christus sumitur;
recolitur memoria passionis ejus;
mens impletur gratia;
et futurae gloriae nobis pignus datur.
Alleluia!
O sacred banquet, wherein Christ is received;
the memorial of his passion is renewed;
the soul is filled with grace;
and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
Alleluia!
Some composers have set the English translation of this venerable text to music.
Composers whose setting of
O sacrum convivium
our choir has sung
Giovanni Croce
Luca Marenzio
Cristóbal de Morales
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
Healey Willan (English setting)