Introduction:

The rite of reconciliation continues with fraction and consignation, i. e., the breaking of the bread into two and dipping in the precious blood. The congregation joins with the Cherubim, Seraphim, and Archangels, who observe in awe the celebrant breaking the body of Christ for the remission of sins; they sing in praise of the "living bread that came down from heaven,” and the "compassionate Lord who calls sinners to your presence." There are three strophes in the hymn, each with a different incipit; only two strophes are performed here. The melody is strophic, i. e., all stanzas of the hymn are sung to the same melody.