https://tinyurl.com/oluxbeata

This short hymn is attributed to St. Ambrose in the 4th Century. St. Ambrose, a Roman Governor suddenly elected Bishop, is one of the Doctors of the Church. He is perhaps best known for helping to convert and baptize St. Augustine.

St. Ambrose has been called “The Father of Church Hymnody,” and the hymns of St. Ambrose are some of the oldest, if not the oldest complete Latin Hymns we have today. There are only four hymns which are universally accepted as being from Ambrose’s pen, as they are ascribed to him by his contemporary and friend, St. Augustine. But this beautiful little gem is generally attributed to him as well.

Shout-out to Sarah for requesting this hymn!

O LUX beata Trinitas,

et principalis Unitas,

iam sol recedit igneus,

infunde lumen cordibus.

Te mane laudum carmine,

te deprecemur vespere:

te nostra supplex gloria

per cuncta laudet saecula.

Deo Patri sit gloria,

eiusque soli Filio,

cum Spiritu Paraclito,

et nunc, et in perpetuum.

O TRINITY of blessed Light,

O Unity of sovereign might,

as now the fiery sun departs,

shed Thou Thy beams within our hearts.

To Thee our morning song of praise,

to Thee our evening prayer we raise;

Thee may our glory evermore

in lowly reverence adore.

All laud to God the Father be;

all praise, Eternal Son, to Thee;

all glory, as is ever meet,

to God the Holy Paraclete.