Vidi aquamVidi aquam is an antiphon, which may be sung before the Tridentine Mass on Sundays, or either before or at the beginning (in place of the Penitential Rite) of the Mass of Paul VI according to the 2002 rubrics.[1][2] It accompanies the Asperges, the ritual at the beginning of Mass where the celebrating priest sprinkles the congregation with baptismal water. It is sung from Easter Sunday throughout the liturgical season of Eastertide until the feast of Pentecost.[3] It replaces the simpler antiphon Asperges me, which is used outside Eastertide. Text and translation
The text refers to the words of the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1),[4] who saw the waters gushing forth from the Temple as a sanctifying flood that flows eastward through the earth and purifies the sea:
The text also refers to the words of John the Apostle in John 19:34,[5] who saw the waters gushing forth from the right side of Christ (as the Temple).
During this hymn, the reference to Ezekiel 47:1 and John 19:34 is then followed by Psalm 117 and Gloria Patri. It is customary that during the Gloria Patri, those present should bow their heads to revere the Holy Trinity.[6] It is not uncommon that throughout the liturgical season of Eastertide, the Priest will stop the sprinkling of the Holy Water to turn around and make this bow towards the Tabernacle.[7] Collectively, the entire antiphon translates to:
References
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