Te Lucis Ante Terminum (latim)

The hymn 'Te Lucis Ante Terminum,' performed by Músicas Católicas, is a traditional Latin prayer sung at the end of the day. Its title translates to 'To Thee Before the Close of Day,' and it is a part of the Liturgy of the Hours, specifically the Compline, which is the final church service of the day in the Christian tradition. This hymn is a plea for divine protection and peace during the night, reflecting a deep sense of faith and reliance on God's mercy.

The lyrics begin by addressing God as the Creator of all things, asking for His mercy and protection. The hymn requests that God be a guardian and shield against the dangers of the night, both physical and spiritual. The second stanza continues this theme, asking for the removal of disturbing dreams and night-time phantoms, and for the suppression of the enemy, so that the body remains pure and unpolluted. This reflects a common medieval belief in the vulnerability of the night and the need for divine intervention to ensure safety and purity.

The final stanza is a doxology, a short hymn of praises to God, which is a common conclusion in many Christian prayers. It praises the Holy Trinity—God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—acknowledging their eternal reign. The hymn also has variations for different liturgical seasons and feasts, such as Easter, Ascension, and Marian feasts, each with slight modifications to honor the specific occasion. These variations highlight the adaptability of the hymn to different contexts within the Christian liturgical calendar, emphasizing the continuous and unending praise of God.

' Te Lucis Ante Terminum' is not just a prayer for protection but also a reflection of the Christian belief in the omnipresence and omnipotence of God. It underscores the importance of ending the day with a moment of reflection, gratitude, and trust in divine providence, reinforcing the spiritual practice of seeking God's presence in every aspect of life, including the quiet and vulnerable moments of the night.