Oratio Latina · Translatio

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt

The Passiontide hymn of the triumphant Cross.

Today in the Church’s prayer

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Vexilla Regis prodeunt, fulget Crucis mysterium, quo carne carnis Conditor suspensus est patibulo.

Quo vulneratus insuper mucrone diro lanceae, ut nos lavaret crimine, manavit unda et sanguine.

Impleta sunt quae concinit David fideli carmine, dicendo nationibus: Regnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida, ornata Regis purpura, electa digno stipite tam sancta membra tangere.

Beata, cuius brachiis pretium pependit saeculi; statera facta corporis, tulitque praedam tartari.

O Crux, ave, spes unica, hoc Passionis tempore, auge piis iustitiam, reisque dona veniam.

Te summa, Deus, Trinitas, collaudet omnis spiritus; quos per Crucis mysterium salvas, rege per saecula. Amen.

The royal banners forward go; the mystery of the Cross shines forth, whereon in flesh the Maker of flesh was hung upon the gibbet.

Wounded moreover by the cruel point of the lance, He poured forth water and blood to wash us from sin.

Fulfilled is what David sang in faithful song, telling the nations: God has reigned from the tree.

Fair and shining tree, adorned with the purple of the King, chosen by a worthy trunk to touch such holy limbs.

Blessed tree, upon whose arms hung the price of the world, made a balance for His body and bearing away the spoil of hell.

Hail, O Cross, our only hope, in this Passiontide; increase grace in the just and grant pardon to sinners.

May every spirit praise Thee, supreme Trinity; rule forever those whom Thou savest through the mystery of the Cross. Amen.