Catholic Chant
Keeping the Faith through Music
Vexilla Regis


Latin English
1. Vexilla Regis prodeunt:
Fulget Crucis mysterium,
Qua vita mortem pertulit,
Et morte vitam protulit.

2. Quae vulnerata lanceae
Mucrone diro, criminum
Ut nos lavaret sordibus,
Manavit unda et sanguine.

3. Impleta sunt quae concinit
David fideli carmine,
Dicendo nationibus:
Regnavit a ligno Deus.

4. Arbor decora et fulgida,
Ornata Regis purpura,
Electa digno stipite
Tam sancta membra tangere.

5. Beata, cuius brachiis
Pretium pependit saeculi:
Statera facta corporis,
Tulitque praedam tartari.

6. O CRUX AVE, SPES UNICA,
Hoc Passionis tempore
Piis adauge gratiam,
Reisque dele crimina.

7. Te, fons salutis Trinitas,
Collaudet omnis spiritus:
Quibus Crucis victoriam
Largiris, adde praemium. Amen.

 1. Abroad the Regal Banners fly,
Now shines the Cross's mystery;
Upon it Life did death endure,
And yet by death did life procure.

2. Who, wounded with a direful spear,
Did, purposely to wash us clear
From stain of sin, pour out a flood
Of precious Water mixed with Blood.

3. That which the Prophet-King of old
Hath in mysterious verse foretold,
Is now accomplished, whilst we see
God ruling nations from a Tree.

4. O lovely and reflugent Tree,
Adorned with purpled majesty;
Culled from a worthy stock, to bear
Those Limbs which sanctified were.

5. Blest Tree, whose happy branches bore
The wealth that did the world restore;
The beam that did that Body weigh
Which raised up hell's expected prey.

6. Hail, Cross, of hopes the most sublime!
Now in this mournful Passion time,
Improve religious souls in grace,
The sins of criminals efface.

7. Blest Trinity, salvation's spring,
May every soul Thy praises sing;
To those Thou grantest conquest by
The holy Cross, rewards apply. Amen.
Media
VexillaRegis_audio
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Season: Lent
Use: General hymn for Mass, processions, or private prayer.

Proper to Passion Sunday (1 week before Palm Sunday, 2 before Easter), this hymn is sung at Vespers (evening prayer).  Lent will soon be coming to a close, and the Vexilla Regis prepares us for the meditations of Holy Week and Good Friday.