Pange Lingua (latim)

The hymn 'Pange Lingua' is a profound piece of liturgical music that has been an integral part of the Catholic tradition for centuries. Composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, it is typically sung during the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi, which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The lyrics, written in Latin, are a poetic and theological reflection on the mystery of the body and blood of Christ, which Christians believe are truly present in the Eucharist.

The hymn begins by calling the tongue to sing ('Pange, lingua') of the glorious mystery of Christ's body and blood, which were given as a ransom for the world. It continues to recount the incarnation of Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, and his life on earth, spreading the seed of the Word. The third stanza describes the Last Supper, where Jesus, in accordance with Jewish law, shares the Passover meal with his disciples and institutes the Eucharist. The hymn emphasizes the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, a central tenet of Catholic faith.

The final stanzas of 'Pange Lingua' contain a profound theological statement: that faith alone is sufficient to believe in the mysteries of the Eucharist, even when human senses may fail to comprehend it. The hymn concludes with a doxology, praising the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit proceeding from both, reflecting the Trinitarian belief. The 'Amen' at the end signifies affirmation and agreement with the truths professed in the hymn.