Panis Angelicus
Friar Alessandro Lyrics


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panis angelicus
fit panis hominum
dat panis caelicus
figuris terminum
ores mirabilis
manducat Dominum
pauper pauper
servus et humilis
pauper pauper
servus et humilis
panis angelicus
fit panis hominum
dat panis caelicus
figuris terminum
ores mirabilis
manducat Dominum
pauper pauper
servus et humilis




pauper pauper
servus servus et humilis

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Friar Alessandro's song, "Panis Angelicus," are both beautiful and profound. The song is a hymn to the Holy Eucharist, which is the sacred bread and wine that Christians believe becomes the body and blood of Christ during the sacrament of the Mass.


The first verse of the song describes how the "bread of angels" becomes the "bread of mankind" and how the "heavenly bread" gives meaning to earthly things. The second verse speaks of the miraculous power of the Eucharist to nourish those who partake of it, regardless of their social status. The repetition of the phrase "pauper pauper, servus et humilis" emphasizes the humility and poverty required to fully receive the sacrament.


The music of "Panis Angelicus" is equally powerful, with its soaring melody and rich harmonies. The song has been performed by countless artists and choirs over the years, and has become a beloved part of the musical canon of the Catholic Church.


Line by Line Meaning

panis angelicus
Bread of angels


fit panis hominum
becomes the bread of mankind


dat panis caelicus
gives the heavenly bread


figuris terminum
ending all symbols


ores mirabilis
wondrous mouths


manducat Dominum
eateth the Lord


pauper pauper
the poor, the poor


servus et humilis
the servant and humble


pauper pauper
the poor, the poor


servus servus et humilis
the servant, the servant and humble




Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@marycrouch5998

We can sense his singing comes from his heart. His love for God makes him different from other opera singers. Thank you Lord!

@deetucker5748

Discovered this sensational voice of this 34-yr old tenor from Assisi, Italy.  He is superb.

@deetucker5748

Thank you for sharing.  I've heard this young tenor.  He's wonderful.

@silvanagianelli7250

@@deetucker5748 è un baritono, non un tenore 😊

@edwardpaunetto3631

Had the pleasure of meeting him at a special church event and he sang afterwards with my daughter such a blessing !

@joecastillo8798

What a privilege!

@chrisred2

The love of God speaks for itself. Hearing your voice makes life worthwhile.

@kimfawcett1725

I've had lot's of dreams about white flowers and a church like this and a man smiling. Many other things have sealed my faith in the Catholic church this week which have built up the last two years and a half years, also since childhood but now I know that this is the best church and I have come home. His voice is spectacular and his sings with a great deal of humility, worthy to pay tribute to Christ. A million thank you's. I'm really looking forward to feeling inner peace again (the only church I have ever felt it at) I am actually Christian-ed C of E.

@cindim7769

Hi Kim, Have you gone through RCIA yet?

@irinejessjohnson7132

Kim, so glad our church has touched and moved you, in faith, welcome to ...the Body of Christ, 💖💖💖

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