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A modern dictionary of 5,679 Catholic terms (including abbreviations), both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases. All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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Term

TANTUM ERGO

Definition

The last two verses of the hymn Pange Lingua, composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and long prescribed for singing at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. A modern English version reads:

Down in adoration falling,

Lo, the sacred host we hail.

Lo, o'er 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.