Friday, June 29, 2012

Solemnity of St Peter & St Paul



With golden splendour and with roseate hues of morn, 
O gracious Saviour, Light of light, this day adorn, 
Which brings to ransomed sinners hopes of that far home 
Where saints and angels the praise of martyrdom.   

Peter Keybearer, Paul the Teacher of mankind, 
Lights of the world and judges sent to loose and bind, 
Alike triumphant or by cross and sword-stroke found, 
In life's high senate stand with victor's laurel crowned. 

Good Shepherd, Peter, unto who the charge was given 
To close or open ways of pilgrimage to heaven, 
In sin's hard bondage held may we have grace to know 
The full remission thou wast granted to bestow. 

O noble Teacher, Paul, we trust to learn of thee 
Both earthly converse and the flight of ecstasy; 
Till from the fading truths that now we know in part 
We pass to fullness of delight for mind and heart. 

Twin olive branches, pouring oil of gladness forth, 
Your prayers shall aid us, that for all our little worth, 
Believing, hoping, loving, we for whom ye plead, 
This body dying, may attain to life indeed. 

Now to the glorious Trinity be duly paid 
Worship and honour, praise and service unafraid, 
Who in unchanging Unity, one Lord sublime, 
Hath ever lived as now and to unending time. 

Latin c 6th century Translated by Richards T.A. Lacey 1853-1931


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