Beyond its liturgical roots in Gregorian chant, "O Salutaris Hostia" has inspired centuries of sacred music. Advent Day 17: O Salutaris Hostia - Jesuits.org
The Latin text is celebrated for its precise theological depth and poetic economy. A standard English translation, such as the one found at Blessed Catholic Mom , renders it as follows: English Translation O salutáris Hóstia, O saving Victim, opening wide Quae caeli pandis óstium: The gate of heaven to man below! Bella premunt hostília, Our foes press on from every side; Da robur, fer auxílium. Thine aid supply, thy strength bestow. Uni trinóque Dómino To Thy great name be endless praise, Sit sempitérna glória, Immortal Godhead, One in Three; Qui vitam sine término O, grant us endless length of days, Nobis donet in pátria. Amen. In our true native land with Thee. Amen. O Salutaris Hostia - Catholic Latin Hymn
In 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi and commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the liturgy and hymns for this new celebration. "O Salutaris Hostia" actually comprises the final two stanzas of a much longer hymn, Verbum Supernum Prodiens , which Aquinas wrote for the Hour of Lauds (Morning Prayer) in the Divine Office. Beyond its liturgical roots in Gregorian chant, "O