Rabanus Maurus Magnetius (c.780 – 856)

St Rabanus Maurus Magnentius (c. 780 – 856) was a Frankish Benedictine monk, theologian, poet, encyclopaedist and military writer who became archbishop of Mainz in East Francia. He was born in born Mainz. He was known as Praeceptor Germaniae, that is The Teacher Of Germany. His feast day is 4th February.

He was one of the most prominent intellectuals of his time and author of the encyclopaedia De Rerum Naturis (“On the Natures of Things”). He also wrote treatises on education and grammar and commentaries on the Bible.

Rabanus composed a number of hymns, the most famous being Veni Creator Spiritus, often sung at Pentecost and at ordinations. It is known in English through many translations, including Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire; Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest; and Creator Spirit, by whose aid. It was used by Gustav Mahler as the first chorale of his eighth symphony.

He worked with Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus (c. 735 – 804).

• Come Holy Ghost Our Souls Inspire (Veni Creator Spiritus, Organ, 4 Verses)
  Come Holy Ghost Our Souls Inspire : Lyrics Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, and lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above is comfort, life, and fire of love. Enable with perpetual light the dullness of our blinded sight. Anoint and cheer our soiled face with the abundance of thy grace. Keep far ...