Gaude visceribus

General information

Office hymn for the Nativity of the BVM.

Settings by composers

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Texts and Translations

Latin text Gaude visceribus mater in intimis. felix ecclesiae quae sacra replicas. sanctae festa mariae. plaudent astra solum mare. Cuius magnifica est generatio. cuius vita sacris claruit actibus cuius finis honorem. summum sine tenet fine. Quae virgo peperit virgoque permanet lactavit propriis uberibus deum portantemque gerebat. ulnis prona trementibus. Felix multiplici laude puerpera. regis porta sui clausa perenniter. mundi stella fluentis. floris virgula regia. Te nunc suppliciter sancta theotocos regis perpetui sponsaque poscimus ut nos semper ubique. miti munere protegas. Sanctis obtineas virgo precatibus pacis praesidium dulce diutine. nobis atque beati. regni dona perennia. Praesta summe pater patris ac unice. amborumque simul spiritus annue. qui regnas deus unus. omni tempore saeculi.

English translation Rejoice in your heart of hearts, O fortunate Mother Church, that repeats the sacred feast of the blessed Mary; stars and sea applaud.   Her begetting is magnificent, her life renowned for its sacred deeds, her death is honoured most highly for ever.   She gave birth as a virgin and remains a virgin; with her own breasts she suckled God and in her trembling arms she easily carried the one who carries.   Fortunate birthgiving mother praised in manifold ways, door of her King now forever closed, star of the flowing world, Flower from a royal branch!   To thee we now humbly pray, O blessed mother of God and bride of the perpetual King, that you may always and everywhere protect us with your gentle gifts, and with your sacred prayers, O Virgin, may we obtain the sweet protection of peace and to us who are blessed, the gifts of the eternal kingdom.   Vouchsafe us this, o highest Father and the Father’s only Son, and give your approval, O Spirit of Both, who reign as One God throughout all eternity.