The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

An anonymous 13th century poet wrote this beautiful "Hymn to the Virgin." It was famously set to music by Benjamin Britten when he was only 16 years old and it remains one of his most accomplished works.

Of one that is so fair and bright Velut maris stella [like the star of the sea],
Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella: [mother and girl]
I cry to thee, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia, [how holy]
That I might come to thee Maria.

All this world was forlorn Eva peccatrice [Eve, the sinner],
Till our Lord was y-born De te genetrice [from you was born]
With ave it went away Darkest night and comes the day Salutis [health];
The well springeth out of thee, Virtutis [virtue].

Lady, flower of everything, Rose sine spina [rose without thorns],
Thou bear Jesu, heavens king, Gratia divina [by divine grace]:
Of all thou bearst the prize, Lady, queen of paradise Electa [chosen]:
Maid mild, mother es Effecta [it is accomplished].

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YxGReDqUWw