"The light thereof was like to a precious stone, as to a jasper stone, even as a crystal."-Apocalypse. HAIL, holy Church of Rome, My true and only rest, O lead me safely home To God for ever blest. To thee the nations bow, For Catholic thou art; To souls pure, meek, and low Dost mysteries impart. In Baptism's crystal wave Our sin-stained souls are washed, One infant soul to save The Blood of Christ it cost. Within yon lowly door Kind Penance long doth wait, Now go and sin no more; Contrition's ne'er too late. By Holy Spirit's light Through Confirmation's chrism, We gain new strength to fight 'Gainst heresy and schism. Reflected clear is seen In holy Marriage tie, The Virgin-Mother-Queen, A love that cannot die. The virgins' crown is rare, And decked with jewels bright; 'Tis given those to wear Whose robes are dazzling white. O happy spouses ye Who earth's false joys have fled, And ever on the knee Adore the Angels' Bread! O wondrous, awful gift, In Ordination given, That man his God may lift To plead with God in Heaven! The "Star that never sets" Doth rise at daily Mass; 'Tis God who pays our debts, But seen as in a glass. The Eucharistic Bread, Our supersubstantial food, By which our souls are fed, In even one small crumb Divinity doth stop, Incarnate God finds room In every single drop. Raised high on Calvary's mount His sacred Heart the fount, His Tears the healing rain. Then haste to daily climb Up Calvary's ruddy steep; Until the end of time This fount springs pure and deep. |