Words: Attributed to , circa 800 (Veni Creator Spiritus, Mentes tuorum visita); paraphrased by in Collection of Private Devotions in the Practice of the Ancient Church, 1627. Music: Veni Creator, Vesperale Romanum cum cantu emendato (Mechlin [Malines], Belgium: 1848). Alternate tune:
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Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire;
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost Thy sev’nfold gifts impart.
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Praise to Thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thy blessèd unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love;
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness of our blinded sight.
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Anoint and cheer our soilèd face
With the abundance of Thy grace;
Keep far our foes, give peace at home;
Where Thou art Guide, no ill can come.
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Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Thee, of both, to be but One;
That through the ages all along
This, this may be our endless song.
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