Corpus domas jejuniis

Long fasting hath thy body tamed

The Hymns of the Breviary and Missal

Corpus domas jejuniis,
Cædis cruento verbere,
Ut castra pœnitentium
Miles sequaris innocens
Sequamur et nos sedulo
Gressus parentis optimi,
Sequamur, ut licentiam
Carnis refrænet spiritus.
Rigente bruma, providum
Præbes amictum pauperi,
Sitim famemque egentium
Esca potuque sublevas.
O qui negasti nemini
Opem roganti, patrium
Regnum tuere, postulant
Cives Poloni, et exteri.
Sit laus Patri, sit Filio,
Tibique, sancte Spiritus;
Preces Joannis impetrent
Beata nobis gaudia.

Long fasting hath thy body tamed,
With many cruel stripes it bleeds,
Though innocence exemption claimed
For thee from penitential deeds.
Then let us follow in the path
Of John, our father and our guide;
Who follows him, his spirit hath
The power to curb all carnal pride.
In winter’s frost thy loving care
Provides a garment for the poor;
For those who want thou dost prepare
Of meat and drink a copious store.
O thou who never didst deny
Thine aid unto the suppliant’s prayer,
Hear Christendom's and Poland’s cry,
And save thy country from despair.
Now let us chant in glad refrain
Unto the Triune God our praise:
O may the prayers of John obtain
Blest joys for us in endless days.

Author: Unknown, 18^th cent. Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by Father Wallace, O.S.B. There are four translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. John Cantius.

“Thou didst subdue thy body with fasts, and with bloody blows didst lacerate it, that as an innocent soldier thou mightest follow the army of penitents.”
“Let us also follow diligently in the footsteps of the good father: let us follow, that the spirit may restrain the licentiousness of the flesh.”
“During the cold winter thou offerest to the poor the kindly provided garment, and with food and drink thou dost alleviate the thirst and hunger of the needy.” St. John not only gave away his food and clothing, but on one occasion at least he even gave away his shoes and walked home barefooted (Matins, Lectio V).
“O thou who didst refuse assistance to no one asking for it, the Polish nation and strangers beseech thee that thou protect thy native kingdom.”
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to Thee, Holy Spirit: may the prayers of John obtain for us blessed joys.”