Classic Poem

How can it be—the sweet new birth
Of water and the Spirit wrought,
Beyond the wisdom of the earth
To understand or bring to nought!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be—the Holy Ghost
His seven-fold gifts on men bestows
Through laying on of hands that boast
No power the mystery to disclose!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be—the priestly prayer
Of consecration duly said,
And we the one Oblation share,
And feed upon the Living Bread!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be—the precious Blood
Once shed for man doth never fail,
But flows a sacramental flood
That contrite sinners shall avail!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be—from age to age,
Since the great day of Pentecost,
The Church abides, though heathen rage,
The grace of Orders never lost!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be—goes forth the word
Of holy Church, and twain are one:
Type of Her union with Her Lord,
Foreshadowed when the race begun!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.

How can it be that wine and bread
In death's dark hour shall life afford,
Till with His unveiled Presence fed
We are forever with the Lord!
We know not how;
We only bow
And say, Amen.