Panis Angelicus
Cesar Franck Lyrics

The lyrics of Cesar Franck's song "Panis angelicus" speak of the Eucharist, the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper. The words "Panis angelicus" ("Bread of Angels") refer to the sacramental bread or Host, which is believed by the Catholic Church to be the real presence of Jesus Christ. The first line of the song, "Panis Angelicus fit panis hominum" ("The Bread of Angels becomes the bread of men"), represents the transubstantiation, the belief that the bread and wine offered during the mass are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

The second line, "Dat panis coelicus figuris terminum" ("Heavenly bread gives an end to figures"), suggests that the Eucharist brings an end to the Old Testament's symbolism and prefigures the end of the world. The third line, "O res mirabilis! Manducat Dominum" ("O wondrous thing! The Lord is our food"), incites awe and wonder at the miracle of partaking in the body of Christ. Finally, the repetition of "Pauper, pauper, servus et humilis" ("the poor, the poor, the servant and lowly one") reminds us that all, regardless of their worldly status, are equal participants in the Eucharist.