I

O Face divine of Jesus,

In ages long ago

Prophets and sages prayed that Thou,

On earth, its light would show;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

Like them, that I its beams may see.

II

O radiant Face of Jesus,

Transfigured in the sight

Of Thy apostles, on the Mount,

Shining with heaven’s own light;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

Thus to reveal Thyself to me.

III

O pitying Face of Jesus,

Thine eyes on Peter rest,

And bitter tears the Apostle sheds,

Contrite and sore distrest;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee

Whene’er I sin, look so on me.

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IV

O suffering Face of Jesus,

Bleeding, and soiled, and torn,

Its temples and its brow transpierced

By many a cruel thorn;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

Offer Thy wounds to God for me.

V

O Face benign of Jesus,

The thief with sorrowing eyes

Gazed at it, and repentant went

With Christ to Paradise;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

In loving kindness look on me.

VI

O dying Face of Jesus,

Upon th’accursed tree,

Crying aloud: Ah! why, my God,

Hast Thou forsaken me ?

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

Plead by Thine agony for me.

VII

O risen Face of Jesus,

Never was face like Thine,

Where Godhead joins with manhood,

In unity divine;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

Turn not away Thy gaze from me.

VIII

O awful Face of Jesus,

How shall I bear Thy sight

When, at the judgment, all my sins

Reveal themselves to light;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

In that dread hour to pity me.

IX

O glorious Face of Jesus,

If, after I have died,

My soul but in Thy likeness wake,

I shall be satisfied;

Most holy Face, I cry to Thee,

More like Thee ever make Thou me.