Jesu Dulcis Memoria

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Jesu Dulcis Memoria is a traditional Catholic hymn attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The name can refer to both the entire poem, or to only the first part.

The poem itself ranges from forty-two to fifty-three stanzas, depending on the manuscript, and forms the three hymns of the Office of Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus: "Jesu dulcis memoria" (Vespers), "Jesu rex admirabilis" (Matins), "Jesu decus angelicum" (Lauds).

Several English hymns sung today are based on translations of Jesu Dulcis Memoria. These include "Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts" (1858 translation by Ray Palmer) and "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" (1849 translation by Edward Caswall).

[edit] "Jesu dulcis memoria"

Jesu, dūlcis memōria,

Dans vēra cōrdis gāudia:

Sed super mel et ōmnia

Ejus dūlcis præsēntia.

Nil cānitur suāvius,

Nil audītur jucūndius,

Nil cogitātur dūlcius,

Quam Jēsus Dēi Fīlius.

Jēsu, spes pænitēntibus,

Quan pīus es petēntibus!

Quan bōnus te quærēntibus!

Sed quid inveniēntibus?

Nec līngua vālet dīcere,

Nec līttera exprīmere:

Expērtus pōtest crēdere,

Quid sit Jēsum dilīgere.

Sis, Jēsu, nōstrum gāudium,

Qui est futūrus praēmium

Sit nōstra in te glōria,

Per cūncta semper saēcula

This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia.