Veni Creator Spiritus is a hymn normally sung in Gregorian Chant and is considered the "most famous of hymns." It was written by Rabanus Maurus in the 9th century. The hymn is normally associated with the Roman Catholic Church where it is often sung at occasions such as the entrance of Cardinals to the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, as well as the consecration of bishops, the ordination of priests, the dedication of churches, the celebration of synods or councils, the coronation of kings and other solemn events. It means "come Holy Spirit Creator" and commemorates the feast of Pentecost. The hymn was probably first assigned to Vespers. One eleventh century manuscript has it at both Lauds and Vespers. Its use at Terce is said to have begun at Cluny as it thus commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost at the third hour of the day.

See also

• Sede vacante
• Papal abdication
• List of papal conclaves
• Symphony No. 8 (Mahler)

References

• Pastoral Commentary by Pope John Paul II