Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
"Ave verum corpus" is a short Eucharistic chant. A Reichenau manuscript of the 14th century attributes it to Pope Innocent (variously identified as Innocent III Innocent IV Innocent V or Innocent VI).During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the Eucharist during the consecration at mass. It was also used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The prayer is a meditation Jesus's Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament and ties it to the redemptive meaning of suffering in the life of all believers.
Latin:
Ave verum corpus, natum
de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine
cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine
esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie,
O Iesu, fili Mariae.
[Miserere mei. Amen.](omitted in this hymn)
English:
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.
"Ave verum corpus" is a short Eucharistic chant. A Reichenau manuscript of the 14th century attributes it to Pope Innocent (variously identified as Innocent III Innocent IV Innocent V or Innocent VI).During the Middle Ages it was sung at the elevation of the Eucharist during the consecration at mass. It was also used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The prayer is a meditation Jesus's Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament and ties it to the redemptive meaning of suffering in the life of all believers.
Latin:
Ave verum corpus, natum
de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine
cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine
esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie,
O Iesu, fili Mariae.
[Miserere mei. Amen.](omitted in this hymn)
English:
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.
