I thought I would post my translation of an Office Hymn for the upcoming Feast of the Presentation, Adorna, Sion, Thalamum.

A few comments: The Latin text I worked with is pre-Urbanite. I don't know enough about the Urbanite reforms to say whether this is the best thing to do or not; I simply tend to follow the current Liber Hymnarius. Secondly, although I think the hymn is suitable for use in the liturgy, especially at the Office, or as a hymn in an OF Mass, I would never think of replacing the most proper processional of the solemn entrance, the Canticle of Simeon, with any hymn. Lastly, a choir that could sing a motet on Adorna thalamum tuum, Sion (there are several, by Byrd, Lassus, etc.) should probably prefer to do so.

And yet, since many of us do sing English hymns, and since anyways they are proper to the Liturgy of the Hours, I think that they ought to be straight out of our heritage, full of the daring imagery that the Catholic imagination allows.

Let Zion's bridal-room be clothed:
He comes, her Lord and her Betrothed.
Let man and woman, by faith's light,
Their vigil keep throughout the night.

Saint Simeon, sent forth in joy,
Exults to see the baby Boy:
The light in Whom all things are known
Has now upon the nations shone.

His parents to the temple bring
The Temple as an offering
The righteousness of law He chose
Though to the law He nothing owes.

So, Mary, bring this little one,
Yours and the Father's only Son
Through whom our offering is made
By whom our ransom price is paid.

And forward, queen of virgins, go
And let rejoicing overflow
With gifts bring forth your newborn Son
Who comes to rescue everyone.

Lord Jesus Christ, the Glory bright
Who guides the nations into light
Be praised, and for eternity
Be glorified, O Trinity. Amen.

Translation c. 2009 Kathleen Pluth. Permission is granted for parish use Feb. 2, 2009. All other rights reserved.

Adorna, Sion, thalamum,
quæ præstolaris Dominum;
sponsum et sponsam suscipe
vigil fidei lumine.

Beate senex, propera,
promissa comple gaudia
et revelandum gentibus
revela lumen omnibus.

Parentes Christum deferunt,
in templo templum offerunt;
legi parere voluit
qui legi nihil debuit.

Offer, beata, parvulum,
tuum et Patris unicum;
offer per quem offerimur,
pretium quo redimimur.

Procede, virgo regia,
profer Natum cum hostia;
monet omnes ad gaudium
qui venit salus omnium.

Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
qui te revelas gentibus,
cum Patre et almo Spiritu,
in sempiterna sæcula.


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