Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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TANTUM ERGO
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.
