Contents Ave Verum Corpus natum
Hail True Body Truly Born		 Euch


Ave Verum Corpus natum is a short Eucharistic hymn dating from the 14th century and attributed to Pope Innocent VI (d 1362). During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the Host during the consecration. It was also used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The text below is one of the four variants of the hymn that have come down to us.

AVE verum Corpus natum
De Maria Virgine:
Vere passum, immolatum
In cruce pro homine:
Cuius latus perforatum
Fluxit aqua et sanguine:
Esto nobis praegustatum
Mortis in examine. 		HAIL, true Body, truly born
Of the Virgin Mary mild
Truly offered, wracked and torn,
On the Cross for all defiled,
From Whose love pierced, sacred side
Flowed Thy true Blood's saving tide:
Be a foretaste sweet to me
In my death's great agony.
O Iesu dulcis!
O Iesu pie!
O Iesu Fili Mariae. Amen.1 		O my loving, Gentle One,
Sweetest Jesus,
Mary's Son. Amen.
1Another variation: O clemens, O pie/ O dulcis Jesu, Fili Mariae.
Translation: Fr. Edward Francis Garesche, SJ (1876-1960)


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