Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
The purpose of Benediction is to express faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, to adore His majesty, to obtain His blessing, to make reparation for outrages and insults offered to God, and to return Him thanks for His many benefits.
Hymns to the Blessed Sacrament
After the Blessed Sacrament has been placed on the altar the two following hymns of veneration are sung:
O Salutaris Hostia
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| O salutaris Hostia, Quæ cæli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia: Da robur, fer auxilium. | O Saving Victim! opening wide The gate of heaven to man below! Our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow. |
| Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. | To Thy great Name be endless praise, Immortal Godhead! One in Three! O grant us endless length of days In our true native land with Thee! |
Tantum Ergo
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Tantum ergo Sacramentum, Veneremur cernui; Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui; Præstet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui. | 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. |
| Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio; Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio; Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen. | To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high, With the Holy Ghost proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor, blessing, Might, and endless majesty. Amen. |
Still kneeling, the priest sings:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Panem de cælo præstitisti eis. R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. | V. Thou gavest them Bread from heaven. R. Having in it all manner of sweetness. |
During Easter-tide, and during the octave of Corpus Christi, Alleluia is added to V. and R.
Rising, he sings the following prayer:
Oremus—Let us Pray
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Deus, qui nobis, sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuæ memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quæsumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuæ fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen. | O God, Who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to reverence the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood that we may ever find in our souls the fruit of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. R. Amen. |
At the Benediction
Reverently looking upon the Sacred Host, say:
My Lord and My God.
(Ind. of 7 years and 7 quarantines.—PIUS X. May 18, 1907.)
The Divine Praises
An Act of Reparation for profane language.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.
(Ind. of 2 years for every public recital after Mass or Benediction.—Leo XIII. Feb. 2, 1897.)
May the Heart of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time.
(Ind. of 100 days, once a day.—Pius IX. Feb. 29, 1868.)
Hymn of Thanksgiving
After the Blessed Sacrament has been replaced in the tabernacle all rise and sing:
Psalm CXVI
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes, laudate eum, omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: et veritas Domini manet in æternum. Gloria Patri, etc. | O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people. For His mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Glory be to the Father, etc. |
Hymn of Praise
Holy God, we praise Thy Name!
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy sceptre claim,
All in heaven above adore Thee:
‖: Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign. :‖
Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and Seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
‖: Fill the heavens with sweet accord;
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord! :‖
Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee,
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
‖: And adoring bend the knee,
While we own the mystery. :‖
