Panis Angelicus
Maurice Handford; Hallé Choir and Orchestra Lyrics

The hymn "Panis Angelicus" translates to "Bread of Angels" and is a Eucharistic hymn that speaks of Jesus Christ as the "Bread of Angels" that becomes the "Bread of Man." The first verse speaks of the difference between earthly and heavenly bread, with the former sustaining bodies and the latter sustaining souls. The second verse refers to the miracle of the Eucharist, in which the humble can partake in communion with the Lord. The last two lines, "Pauper, pauper, servus et humilis," which means "poor, poor, servant and humble," highlight the idea that the Eucharist is for all people, regardless of societal status or wealth.

The hymn was written by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century as part of a larger work called "Sacris Solemniis," an office for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Over time, "Panis Angelicus" became one of the most beloved Eucharistic hymns in Catholic tradition, often performed during mass and special occasions such as weddings and funerals. Interestingly, the hymn was also famously performed by Luciano Pavarotti during the 1998 World Cup in France.