Composer

:

Francis Stanfield

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:37

"Sweet Sacrament Divine" is a hymn composed by Francis Stanfield, an Irish composer and organist, in the 19th century. The hymn was first published in 1850 and has since become a popular hymn in the Catholic Church. The hymn is typically sung during Eucharistic Adoration, a Catholic practice of worshiping the Eucharist, which is believed to be the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The hymn is also sung during Benediction, a Catholic ritual in which the Eucharist is exposed for adoration and then placed in a monstrance for veneration. "Sweet Sacrament Divine" is composed of four verses, each with four lines. The hymn is written in a simple, straightforward style, with a melody that is easy to sing and remember. The first verse begins with the line "Sweet Sacrament divine, hid in thine earthly home," and goes on to describe the Eucharist as a source of comfort and strength for believers. The second verse focuses on the idea of the Eucharist as a symbol of Christ's love and sacrifice. The third verse emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist in the life of a believer, describing it as a "pledge of life eternal" and a "foretaste of the heavenly feast." The final verse is a prayer to the Eucharist, asking for strength and guidance in the Christian life. The hymn ends with the line "Jesus, in thy mercy, give us all a share." Overall, "Sweet Sacrament Divine" is a simple yet powerful hymn that has become a beloved part of Catholic worship. Its straightforward melody and lyrics make it easy for congregations to sing together, while its focus on the Eucharist as a source of comfort, strength, and salvation resonates with believers around the world.

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