Breviary Hymns and Missal Sequences, Pentecost, Vespers

detail of a stained glass window depicting the descent of the fire to the apostles at Pentecost; mid-19th century, possibly by Mayer of Munich, Germany; Cologne Cathedral, Bavaria, Germany; photographed on 1 May 2006 by Raimond Spekking; swiped from Wikimedia CommonsCome, O Creator Spirit, come,
Within Thy children’s spirits shine,
And fill the hearts that Thou hast made,
O fill them full with grace Divine

Thou, who art called the Paraclete,
The Gift of the Great God above,
And Precious Unction of our souls,
And Living Water, Fire, and Love:

Finger of the Right Hand of God,
Thou dost Thy seven-fold gifts bestow,
The Father’s Promise, Thou dost make
Our lips with Heavenly words o’erflow.

Enkindle light within our minds,
Infuse Thy love into our hearts,
Stablish our weakness with Thy grace,
Which never-failing strength imparts.

Our enemy drive far away,
And quickly peace unto us give,
That, following Thy guidance sure,
Free from all evils we may live.

By Thee may we the Father know,
And by Thee also know the Son,
And Thee, the Spirit of Them both,
Believe, until all time is done.

Be God the Father glorified,
And He, who rose from death, His Son,
And the Great Spirit Paraclete,
While everlasting ages run. Amen.

– translated by Archbishop Edward Gilpin Bagshawe, C.O., Bishop of Nottingham, England