Veni, Sancte Spiritus

by Paul Turner

“Veni, Sancte Spiritus” was probably composed by Stephen Langton (+1228), the archbishop of Canterbury, although some think Pope Innocent III (+1216) was the author. Stephen Langton is also responsible for dividing the books of the Bible into the chapters we mostly observe today.

The sequence for Pentecost prays for the coming of the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and forgiveness to the faithful. It opens with many repetitions of the word “come” and closes with repetitions of the request “give.” Along the way, it affirms various titles and attributes of the Spirit: father of the poor, source of all our store, comforter, refreshment, rest, coolness and solace. The hymn asks the Spirit to shine in the hearts of the singers and to grant healing, strength, forgiveness and salvation.

The original Latin poetry is quite elegant. Each of the 10 stanzas has three lines. The first two lines rhyme and the last word of each stanza always ends with the letters ium. This sequence once appeared in each liturgy every day during the octave of Pentecost. Now it is called for only on the day of Pentecost. The hymn may be sung or recited but it was written for singing. The verses may be alternated between the choir and the assembly.

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.