Panis Angelicus
Kurt Herbert Adler Lyrics

The lyrics to Kurt Herbert Adler's song Franck: "Panis Angelicus" describe the miraculous moment when the bread becomes the body of Christ during the sacrament of communion. The song speaks to the heart of the Christian faith, which sees the humble bread as a symbol of the divine sacrificed for humanity's salvation. The first verse celebrates the merging of the divine and the earthly, as the bread becomes a bridge between heaven and earth. The second verse speaks to the equality of all people in the eyes of God. Whether rich or poor, everyone is equal in their need for sustenance and for salvation.

The repetition of the lyrics "pauper, pauper, servus, et humilis" emphasizes the humility and simplicity of this sacrament. The power of the moment is not found in grand gestures or elaborate rituals but in the humble recognition that all are equal in their need for divine sustenance. The use of Latin in the lyrics adds to the song's sense of ancient mystery and reverence for the history of Christianity. Overall, "Panis Angelicus" captures the solemn beauty of the sacrament and the power of faith to connect people across time and space.