O Lumen Ecclesiae

 


A poem published in Dominican Ashram, Vol. 4 No. 2 (June 2022), pp. 83-85. Reproduced with permission.


Like fragrant incense, rising up

In clouds before the altar,

The fragrance of your sanctity,

Has filled the Church with wonder.

And like a candle burns itself out

To illumine the deep’ning darkness

So your sacrificial life has brought

To sinners, light and gladness.

Father, Dominic, your earthly life

Radiated Christ the Light:

O Lumen Ecclesiae,

Shine on us today.

 

Like gentle music, which delights

The ears of all who listen,

Your voice resounded ceaselessly

In tireless, holy preaching.

And like a solemn hymn or psalm

Gives joy to all its singers,

So you announced the Gospel loud

Bringing salvation to us, sinners.

Father, Dominic, in silence now

Your voice is yet more clear and loud.

O Doctor Veritatis,

Guide our steps to Jesus.

 

Like grains of wheat that fall and die

To yield a hundredfold,

In penitence you fixed your eyes

On heaven’s blessed hope.

And red grapes, crushed underfoot,

Produce sweet, sparkling wine,

Sufferings and trials you embraced

With always a radiant smile.

Father Dominic, midst heaven’s joys,

Listen to every anguished voice.

Rosa Patientiae,

Harken to our prayer!

 

Like tiny, hidden drops of dew

That glisten in the morn,

A humble life of poverty

Your earthly life adorns.

And like unsullied lotus blooms

In waters, soiled and murky,

Earthly desires could not assail

Your pearl of perfect chastity.

Father Dominic, poor and chaste,

Lead us along the narrow way.

O Ebur Castitatis,

Cleanse our hearts, we pray.

 

Like timely rains that irrigate

Fields and flow’ry gardens,

Your tearful prayers for wretched souls

Reaped plentiful a harvest.

And like the dancing ocean’s waves

That crash upon the shore,

Your powerful voice was ever raised

Count’ring heresy with gentle force.

Father Dominic, slake our thirst

With waters of God’s Word,

Aqua Sapientiae,

Wisdom and God’s grace.

 

Like the splendid Sun, day after day

Nudges forward our endeavours

In prayer before the Son of God

You beseech His grace for sinners.

And like the moon, the queen of night,

That gently beams the sun’s bright rays,

You ever gazed in confidence

Upon our Lady, full of grace.

Father Dominic, plead for grace

For us to serve the Lord always.

Praedicator Gratiae,

Carry unto God our praise.

 

Like a family gathered together

To share their evening supper,

In common life, you daily joined

In fellowship with your brothers.

And like a festal banquet

That’s always a joyful time,

You join our company, with eagerness,

To share our life’s design.

Father Dominic, now in bliss,

Always to us a brother still,

Nos iunge beatis,

In heaven’s light and peace.

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