223 - Ascension

1. Hail this joyful day's return,

hail the Pentecostal morn,

morn when our ascended Lord

on his Church his Spirit poured!

2. Like to cloven tongues of flame

on the twelve the Spirit came

tongues, that earth may hear their call,

fire, that love may burn in all.

3. Lord, to you your people bend;

unto us your Spirit send;

blessings of this sacred day

grant us, dearest Lord, we pray.

4. You who did our forebears guide,

with their children still abide;

grant us pardon, grant us peace,

till our earthly wanderings cease.

Words: Att. Hilary of Poitiers (4th cent.); tr. Robert Campbell (1814-1868),alt. Music: Beata nobis guadia, plainsong, Mode 1, Zisterzienser, 14th cent.