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When and How to Pray Tantum Ergo
Pray or sing the two stanzas slowly during Eucharistic adoration, or use them for private prayer. At Benediction, follow the presiding priest or deacon and the approved ritual. At Benediction a versicle and collect follow the hymn; their Latin text is given below. The English text is the translation in our community’s prayer book; liturgical celebrations should use their approved edition.
What Does Tantum Ergo Mean?
The opening words lead into the expression “so great a Sacrament.” The hymn asks us to adore Christ and rely on faith where our senses cannot perceive the change of the Eucharist. It directs our attention to the Lord’s real presence rather than merely to a religious symbol (CCC 1374).
Who Wrote Tantum Ergo?
St. Thomas Aquinas composed Pange Lingua for the Eucharistic feast, and Tantum Ergo consists of its last two stanzas. EWTN’s explanation of Benediction describes its use as a hymn before the blessing. This page gives those two stanzas rather than claiming to reproduce the whole Pange Lingua.
Can I Pray Tantum Ergo at Home?
Yes. You can read or sing it privately as an expression of Eucharistic faith. Praying the hymn at home does not constitute Eucharistic Benediction, which is a liturgical blessing given with the Blessed Sacrament by a priest or deacon. You may also visit a church for a time of adoration.
Tantum Ergo in Latin
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis.
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem.
Oremus. Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili Passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Does Tantum Ergo Have an Indulgence?
Yes. The Enchiridion of Indulgences grants a partial indulgence for an approved Eucharistic prayer, including Tantum Ergo (7 §2, 2°), and a plenary indulgence for its devout recitation during the solemn reposition after the Holy Thursday Mass (7 §1, 2°). The plenary indulgence also requires confession, Communion, prayer for the pope’s intentions, and complete detachment from every sin, including venial sin (norm 20).