Te Saeculorum Principem

THE HYMN TE SAECULORUM PRINCIPEM, "Thou King of the Ages," is a hymn that envisions Christ's reign over all mankind. It such a reign, the natural law would reign supreme, as Christ is the fulfillment of the natural law. This hymn was traditionally sung at Vespers of the Feast of Christ the King. It is here given in its traditional form, before liturgical reforms robbed it of its more rigorous, manly verses.

Thou, Prince of all ages, Thou, O Christ, the King of the nations, we acknowledge Thee the one Judge of all hearts and minds. The wicked mob screams out. "We don't want Christ as king," While we, with shouts of joy, hail Thee as the world's supreme King. O Christ, peace-bringing Prince, subjugate the rebellious minds: And in Thy love, bring together in one flock those going astray. For this, with arms outstretched, Thou hung, bleeding, on the Cross, and the cruel spear that pierced Thee, showed man a Heart burning with love. For this, Thou art hidden on our altars under the form of bread and wine, and pour out on Thy children from Thy pierced side the grace of salvation. May the rulers of the world publicly honor and extol Thee; May teachers and judges reverence Thee; May the laws express Thine order and the arts reflect Thy beauty. May kings find renown in their submission and dedication to Thee. Bring under Thy gentle rule our country and our homes. Glory be to Thee, O Jesus, supreme over all secular authorities; And glory be to the Father and the loving Spirit through endless ages. V. His empire shall be multiplied. R. And there shall be no end of peace.

Te saeculorum Principem, Te, Christe, Regem Gentium, Te mentium, Te cordium Unum fatemur arbitrum. Scelesta turba clamitat: Regnare Christum nolumus: Te nos ovantes omnium Regem supremum dicimus. O Christe, Princeps Pacifer, Mentes rebelles subiice: Tuoque amore devios, Ovile in unum congrega. Ad hoc cruenta ab arbore, Pendes apertis brachiis: Diraque fossum cuspide Cor igne flagrans exhibes. Ad hoc in aris abderis Vini dapisque imagine, Fundens salutem filiis Transverberato pectore. Te nationum Praesides Honore tollant publico, Colant magistri, iudices, Leges et artes exprimant. Submissa regum fulgeant Tibi dicata insignia: Mitique sceptro patriam Domosque subde civium. Iesu, tibi sit gloria, Qui sceptra mundi temperas, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. Amen. V. Multiplicabitur eius imperium. R. Et pacis non erit finis.