FR
Caritas, from The Virtues, after Hendrick Goltzius (copy after Jacob Matham), 1587-1637 (engraving)
IV

Caritas abundat in omnia

Hildegard von Bingen

1:41

Caritas abundat in omnia is Hildegard von Bingen's short hymn to Love. In her visions Caritas is a living presence, a feminine figure who fills the world from its depths to past the stars.

Love abounds in all things, from the depths, most excellent, beyond the stars, and most loving towards all.

The last line is the boldest: Love has given the highest King the kiss of peace, the greeting the monks and nuns exchanged at Mass. Love meets God face to face, as a friend. A minute and a half of music that carries the whole of her teaching.

The Words

Karitas habundat in omnia,

Love abounds in all things,

de imis excellentissima super sidera,

from the depths, most excellent, beyond the stars,

atque amantissima in omnia,

and most loving towards all,

quia summo regi osculum pacis dedit.

for she has given the highest King the kiss of peace.