Beyond its liturgical roots in Gregorian chant, "O Salutaris Hostia" has inspired centuries of sacred music. Advent Day 17: O Salutaris Hostia - Jesuits.org
The hymn functions as both a declaration of faith and a desperate plea for divine assistance: O Salutaris Hostia - Catholic Latin Hymn
In 1264, Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi and commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the liturgy and hymns for this new celebration. "O Salutaris Hostia" actually comprises the final two stanzas of a much longer hymn, Verbum Supernum Prodiens , which Aquinas wrote for the Hour of Lauds (Morning Prayer) in the Divine Office. Beyond its liturgical roots in Gregorian chant, "O
The hymn has a companion piece, "Tantum Ergo Sacramentum," which is similarly the final two stanzas of another of Aquinas's works, Pange Lingua . Together, these texts provide the spiritual and musical framework for Benediction. "O Salutaris Hostia" actually comprises the final two
The term Hostia (Sacrifice/Victim) emphasizes Christ's self-offering on the Cross, now made present in the Eucharist.