O Magnum Mysterium








Fra Filippo Lippi
and Workshop
The Nativity, probably c. 1445
Samuel H. Kress Collection
National Gallery of Art

Yesterday, I heard this piece on the radio…..

Magnum Mysterium – by William Cooper

O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum
jacentem in praesepio.

Beata virgo cujus viscera
meruent partare Dominum Christum.
Alleluia.

Literal translation:

O great mystery and admirable [wonderful] sacrament
That animals see the Lord born
Lying in a manger.
Blessed virgin whose viscera [womb]
Were [was] worthy to bear Lord Christ.
Allelujah.

All so true….this mystery of Advent.

2 thoughts on “O Magnum Mysterium

  1. I just found your blog while looking for a good translation of O Magnum Mysteria. What beautiful latin. Takes silent night that extra step. I HIGHLY recommend the Maurten Lauridsen version of O Magnum. Has become my favorite and most spiritual song of the season. I’ll look back to see if anyone knows it. Thanks and God Bless, Kevin Oxford, Ohio

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