Hæc est dies

Behold the blessed morning

The Hymns of the Breviary and Missal

Hæc est dies, qua candid&ae;lig;
Instar columbæ, cœlitum
Ad sacra templa spiritus
Se transtulit Teresiæ.
Sponsique voces audiit:
Veni soror de vertice
Carmeli ad Agni nuptias:
Veni ad coronam gloriæ.
Te sponse Jesu Virginum
Beati adorent ordines,
Et nuptiali cantico
Laudent per omne sæculum.

Behold the blessed morning,
When, like a snow-white dove,
Thy soul arose, Theresa,
To join the choirs above.
The Bridegroom calls: “From Carmel
Come, sister, unto me,
Partake the Lamb’s high nuptials;
Thy crown awaiteth thee.”
O Jesus, tender Bridegroom
By holy virgin throngs
Be evermore surrounded,
Be praised in endless songs.

Author: Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644). Meter: Iambic dimeter. Translation by D. J. Donahoe. There are five translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of St. Teresa.

“This is the day on which the soul of Teresa like a shining white dove betook itself to the sacred temples of the Blessed.” Instar, with genitive, like to, after the fashion of. Columbæ, the dove is a symbol of innocence and purity.
“And she heard the voice of the Bridegroom: ‘Come, Sister, from the heights of Carmel to the nuptials of the Lamb; come to receive a crown of glory’” Veni (ad suscipiendam) coronam gloriæ. The Carmelite order was founded on Mount Carmel in Palestine in 1156. For an explanation of the term “nuptials of the Lamb,” read St. Teresa’s own interpretation of mystical marriage quoted in the article on Marriage, Mystical, in the Cath. Encycl.
“O Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, may the heavenly choirs adore Thee, and with nuptial song praise Thee forever.”