Do you know how to obtain a plenary indulgence on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi?
Tantum Ergo is a Eucharistic adoration song containing the last two verses of Pange Lingua, a medieval Latin hymn Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. In English, Tantum Ergo is commonly recited under the title, “Down in Adoration Falling.”
This prayer exalts the mystery of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
For this reason, the Church grants a plenary indulgence to the faithful who devoutly sing or recite the song during the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
Here’s the song in Latin:
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Præstet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
Here’s the English translation:
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail;
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
newer rites of grace prevail;
faith for all defects supplying,
where the feeble senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
and the Son who reigns on high,
with the Holy Ghost proceeding
forth from Each eternally,
be salvation, honor, blessing,
might and endless majesty.
Amen.
The usual conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence:
In addition to singing Tantum Ergo on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the faithful must also fulfill the three usual conditions:
Go to Confession (as soon as possible or after fulfilling the other conditions)Receive Holy Communion (as soon as possible)Pray for the Pope’s intentions. (The Church suggests an “Our Father” and a “Hail Mary” as soon as possible)
One must approach the indulgence with a spirit “completely detached from the affection for a sin,” both mortal and venial.
What a great opportunity of mercy from the Lord. Let us not waste this treasure that allows us to draw closer to heaven!
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