Laeta quies

The Laeta quies is the Latin sequence that is chanted on the Solemnity of St. Benedict.  The way the Latin text flows with the melody is wonderful.  We found a great YouTube video that is worth listening, too.  (The link is:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpg2_aemhJQ.)  After listening to the chant, spend some time with the translation in prayer.

Joyful rest (day) of our leader,

that brings the gift of a new light,

we commemorate you today.

Grace is given the loving soul,

may our ardent heart be united

to the songs of our lips.

By the radiant way going up to the east,

 let us admire our Father rising to heaven,

equal to the patriarchs.

His innumerable posterity,

figure of the sun,

made him like to Abraham.

See the crow serving him

and recognize hence Elias hiding in a little cave.

Recognize Eliseus,

when he bids return the axe from beneath the current.

It is Joseph through his life without stain;
it is Jacob bringing future things to mind.

May he be mindful of his people,

and may he lead us

till we behold with him the eternal joys of Christ.