Hymn: Gemma Caelestis - Gregorian Chant | feast of St Benedict, July 11

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July 11 is the second celebration of the feast of St Benedict. "Gemma caelestis" is the hymn sung at 1st Vespers for this feast, the text of which is often attributed to the 11th century St Peter Damian. It is one of two days that St. Benedict is celebrated on the Benedictine calendar.

But since his first feast day always occurs during Lent (March 21), it is celebrated again on July 11 (connected with transfer of relics) to allow for the appropriate greater joy and festivity. In addition, Pope Paul VI declared St. Benedict the Patron of Europe at the rededication of the Church at Monte Cassino on July 11, 1964. May he who was "filled with the spirit of all the righteous" intercede for us and teach all to imitate his virtues as he imitated Christ, filling us with the same virtues, and restore the Church and western civilization once more. (Art work of original St Benedict painting with medals by Nicholas Joseph Lim; Painting of Sts Benedict and Scholastica by Fabrizio)

English Translation:
Benedict, precious jewel of the King of Heaven,
Model for the just and way for monks,
Call us forth
From this troubled world.

Spurning what was base,
you set your heart on the stars.
You made heirs of your parents,
For you, God's perfect vessel,
Were fit to repair a shattered one.

Great among a small company of hermits
You overcame your youthfulness
and excelled in your labor
As you fervently undertook
The narrow beginnings of the strict life.

When a youth was buried
in the rubble of a collapsing wall,
He was raised up as soon as you prayed;
With your prayer you restored
Sense to his flesh and health to his body.

You saw your sister's soul, unknown to sin,
Attain the very heights
Of starry heaven
In the form of a gentle dove.

After this marvel you in turn
Sought starry heights, having mastered this life;
Your cloak shone forth
A flaming path charged with light.

Glory to the Father, to the Only Begotten,
And to you, loving Spirit,
Always their equal,
One God for all ages. Amen.



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