Verbum Caro

Instrumentation

SSATB a cappella

Other Information

Verbum Caro is a Eucharistic Anthem commissioned by Fr Simon Lumby SSC and his parish to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of St. Aidan’s Church, New Parks, Leicester designed by Sir Basil Spence. The words are taken from “Pange Lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium” by Saint Thomas Aquinas [1225-1274] and dedicated to Bishop Rowan Williams [former Archbishop of Canterbury], Fr. Simon and his congregation. Witten for SSATB a cappella, with sections allocated to soprano solo, it was performed on 13th July 2019 by an invited choir (pictured left and below left) conducted by the composer with Nicky Bouckley, soprano solo. it was sung in the presence of The Rt. Rev’d Rowan Williams and The Rt. Rev’d Norman Banks SSC, Bishop of Richborough (pictured below right with the composer).

The video of the anthem may be accessed on YouTube by clicking HERE.

In suprémæ nocte coenæ
Recúmbens cum frátribus
Observáta lege plene
Cibis in legálibus,
Cibum turbæ duodénæ
Se dat suis mánibus.
Verbum caro, panem verum
Verbo carnem éfficit:
Fitque sanguis Christi merum,
Et si sensus déficit,
Ad firmándum cor sincérum
Sola fides súfficit.

On the night of the Last Supper,
reclining with His brethren,
once the Law had been fully observed
with the prescribed foods,
as food to the crowd of Twelve
He gives Himself with His hands.
The Word as Flesh makes true bread
into flesh by a word
and the wine becomes the Blood of Christ.
And if sense is deficient
to strengthen a sincere heart
Faith alone suffices.