⚠Significant ink bleed-through from the reverse side of the leaf creates ghost characters that intermingle with the main text.

TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD,

WHO IN A PLACE OF PASTURE

HAS SETTLED HIS SHEEP,

WHO, IN BEING BORN, GAVE HIMSELF AS A COMPANION,

IN EATING WITH US, AS FOOD,

IN DYING, AS OUR RANSOM,

AND IN REIGNING, GIVES HIMSELF AS THE REWARD. original: "Se nascens dedit socium..." This beautiful sequence is quoted from the 13th-century hymn "Verbum Supernum Prodiens," written by St. Thomas Aquinas for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

TO THE BEST HIGH PRIEST,

GREATEST, HOLIEST, MOST INNOCENT,

SET APART FROM SINNERS,

WHO HAS NO NEED

TO OFFER SACRIFICES FOR HIS OWN SINS. This section draws directly from the New Testament (Hebrews 7:26-27), contrasting Christ with earthly priests who are themselves imperfect.

TO THE KING OF KINGS,

LORD OF LORDS,

TRIUMPHANT OVER THE GATES OF HELL,

THE COMING JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.

IN RECOGNITION OF THE MOST VENERABLE SACRAMENT

OF THE EUCHARIST The term "Eucharist" comes from the Greek word for "thanksgiving." In this period, it refers to the central Christian rite of the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.

INSTITUTED BY HIS DIVINE MAJESTY

BE BLESSING AND BRIGHTNESS,

AND WISDOM, AND THANKSGIVING,

HONOR, POWER, AND STRENGTH

FOREVER AND EVER. This closing doxology is a paraphrase of Revelation 7:12, a hymn of praise to God in the heavenly court.