Maria castis osculis

His sacred feet with tears of agony

The Hymns of the Breviary and Missal

Maria castis osculis
Lambit Dei vestigial:
Fletu rigat, tergit comis,
Detersa nardo perlinit.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ejusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc, et per omne sæculum.

His sacred feet with tears of agony
She bathes; and prostrate on the ground adores;
Steeps them in kisses chaste, and wipes them dry
With her own hair; then forth her precious ointment pours.
Praise in the highest to the Father be;
Praise to the mighty co-eternal Son;
And praise, O Spirit Paraclete, to Thee,
While ages evermore of endless ages run.

Author: Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540- 604). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Caswall. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. This hymn is a cento from a hymn of twelve stanzas beginning Magno salutis gaudio. Original Text: Nardo Maria pistico.

“With chaste kisses, Mary kisses the feet of God, she washes them with her tears, dries them with her hair, and, when dried, anoints them with spikenard.” Vestigia, lit., footprints, the soles of the feet; here it is used for pedes. Nardus or nardum, an ointment, unguent.