Christe sanctorum decus angelorum (St. Gabriel)

O Christ! the beauty of the angel worlds!
Of man the Maker and Redeemer blest!
Grant us one day to mount the path of light,
And in thy glory rest.

Angel of Peace! thou, Michael, from above,
Come down, amid the homes of man to dwell;
And banish wars, with all their tears and blood,
Back to their native Hell.

Angel of Strength! thou, Gabriel, cast out
Thine ancient foes, usurpers of thy reign;
The temples of thy triumph round the globe
Revisit once again.

And Raphael, Physician of the soul,
Let him descend from his pure halls of light,
To heal the sick, and guide each doubtful course
Through all our life aright.

Thou too, O Virgin, with the angel choirs,
Mother of Light, and Queen of Peace! descend;
And bring with thee the radiant Court of Heav’n,
Thy children to befriend.

This grace on us bestow, O Father blest;
And thou, O Son by an eternal birth:
With Thee, from both proceeding, Holy Ghost,
Whose glory fills the earth.