The Proper Hymns of St Theresa of Avila

St Theresa of Avila, whose feast we keep today, the anniversary of her death in 1582, was canonized on March 12, 1622, alongside Ss Philip Neri, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier and a fourth Spaniard, Isidore the Farmer. The Pope who celebrated this grand triumph of the Counter-Reformation, Gregory XV, died a bit less than 16 months later, and was succeeded by Cardinal Maffeo Barberini, who took the name Urban VIII, and is well known in the liturgical field for the classicizing reform of the breviary hymns which he enacted. This reform was the occasion for a famous barb, “Accessit latinitas, recessit pietas. – Latinity came in, piety went out”, but Pope Urban’s own original compositions are generally well-regarded, among them, the two hymns which he wrote for St Theresa, Regis superni nuntia, which is said at Vespers and Matins, and Haec est dies, qua candidae. The translation of the former is by Fr Edward Caswall O.C.

Regis superni nuntia, Domum paternam deseris, Terris Teresa barbaris Christum datura, aut sanguinem.	Blest messenger of Heaven! thou didst Thy home in childhood leave; Intending to barbaric lands Christ or thy blood to give.
Sed te manet suavior Mors, pœna poscit dulcior Divini amoris cuspide In vulnus icta concides.	But thee a sweeter death awaits; A nobler fate is thine; Pierc’d with a thousand heavenly darts, To die of love divine..
O caritatis victima! Tu corda nostra concrema, Tibique gentes creditas Averni ab igne libera.	Victim of perfect charity! Our souls with love inspire; And save the nations of thy charge From everlasting fire.
Sit laus Patri cum Filio Et Spiritu Paraclito, Tibique sancta Trinitas, Nunc, et per omne sæculum.    Amen.	Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, be; Praise to the blessed Three in One, Through all eternity. Amen.

The Czech composer František Tůma (1704-74) made a motet out of the the first and last stanzas. As with many such compositions, it was likely used not just as a motet, but for the actual celebration of Vespers, during which the clergy would “double” the full text in a low voice, according to a very decadent practice sadly common in the era.

There does not appear to be any recording of the Lauds hymn available. (Translation by D.J. Donahoe)

Hæc est dies, qua candidæ Instar columbæ, cælitum Ad sacra templa spiritus Se transtulit Teresiæ.	Behold the blessed morning, When, like a snow-white dove, Thy soul arose, Theresa, To join the choirs above.
Sponsique voces audiit: Veni soror de vertice Carmeli ad Agni nuptias: Veni ad coronam gloriæ.	The Bridegroom calls: “From Carmel Come, sister, unto me, Partake the Lamb’s high nuptials; Thy crown awaiteth thee.”
Te sponse, Iesu, virginum Beati adorent ordines, Et nuptiali cantico Laudent per omne sæculum. Amen.	O Jesus, tender Bridegroom By holy virgin throngs Be evermore surrounded, Be praised in endless songs. Amen.