225 - Pentecost

Refrain: Hail thee, festival day!

blest day that art hallowed for ever,

day when the Holy Ghost

shone in the world with God's grace.

1. Lo, in the likeness of fire,

on those who await his appearing,

he whom the Lord foretold

suddenly, swiftly descends: Repeat refrain

2. Forth from the Father he comes

with sevenfold mystical offering,

pouring on all human souls

infinite riches of God: Repeat refrain

3. Hark! for in myriad tongues

Christ's own, his chosen apostles,

preach to the ends of the earth

Christ and his wonderful works: Repeat refrain

4. Praise to the Spirit of Life,

all praise to the fount of our being,

light that dost lighten all,

life that in all dost abide: Repeat refrain

Words: Venantius Honorius Fortunatus (540?-600?); tr. English Hymnal, 1906, alt. Music: Salve festa dies, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)