Quem Pastores Laudavere, arr. John Rutter

Fr. Scott A. Haynes

Overview

Quem Pastores Laudavere is a lighthearted Latin carol praising Christ and rejoicing in His Birth. We worship Our Lord along with the shepherds, the Kings, Our Lady, and all the Angels of the Celestial Hierarchy. On Christmas night we give thanks for the great gift of His Birth. Quem Pastores Laudavere is a Latin Christmas carol found in a manuscript dating back to the 14th century.

Latin Text

Quem pastores laudavere,

Quibus Angeli dixere,

Absit vobis jam timere,

Natus est Rex gloriæ.

Ad quem Reges ambulabant,

Aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,

Immolabant hæc sincere,

Leoni victoriæ.

Exultemus cum Maria,

In Cœlesti Hierarchia,

Natum promat voce pia,

Dulci cum melodia.

Christo Regi, Deo nato,

Per Mariam nobis dato,

Merito resonet vere,

Laus honor et gloria.

English Translation

The One who the shepherds praised,

And about whom the Angels told:

'Abandon your present fears,'

The King of Glory is born.

To Him the Kings walked,

Carrying gold, frankincense and myrrh,

Offering them religiously,

For the Lion's victory.

Let us rejoice with Mary,

In union with the Celestial Hierarchy,

Singing a pious song to the Newborn,

That be sweet in its melody.

Of Christ the King, God born,

Who was given to us by Mary,

We should sing the merit:

Praise, honor and glory.

Choir of St. John Cantius

Choirmaster: Fr. Scott A. Haynes

Sony Classical Label