Salutis Aeternae Dator (Giver of Life, Eternal Lord)

Salutis Aeternae Dator is attributed to the Archbishop of Mainz, Rabanus Maurus (776-856). It is traditionally sung at Lauds on the Feast of All Saints (November 1) in the Roman Breviary. The English translation: Giver of Life, Eternal Lord is by Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878). It can be sung to any hymn tune with 86.86 metre such as: St Peter (Reinagle) by Alexander Robert Reinagle (1799-1877).


SALUTIS AETERNAE DATOR

1. Salutis aeternae dator,
Iesu, redemptis subveni;
Virgo, parens clementine,
dona salutem servulis.

2. Vos, Angelorum milita,
Patrumque coetus, agmina
canora Vatum; vos,
reis precamini indulgenti. 

3. Baptista Christi praevius,
Summique caeli Claviger
cum ceteris Apostolis
nexus resolvant criminal.

4. Cohors triumphans Martyrum,
almus Sacerdotum chorus,
et virginalis castitas
nostros reatus abluant.

5. Quicumque in alta siderum
regnatis aula principes,
favete votis supplicum,
qui dona caeli flagitant.

6. Virtus, honor, laus, gloria
Deo Patri cum Filio,
Sancto simul Paraclito
in saeculorum secular.




GIVER OF LIFE, ETERNAL LORD

1. Giver of life, eternal Lord,
Thy own redeemed defend;
Mother of grace, thy children save,
and help them to the end.

2. Ye thousand thousand Angel hosts,
assist us in our need;
Ye Patriarchs, with the Prophet choir,
for our forgiveness plead.

3. Forerunner blest, and Thou who still
dost heaven's dread keys retain;
Ye glorious Apostles all,
unloose our guilty chain.

4. Army of Martyrs, holy Priests,
in beautiful array;
Ye happy troops of Virgins chaste,
wash all our stains away.

5. All ye who high above the stars
in heavenly glory reign,
May we through your prevailing prayers
unto your joys attain.

6. Praise, honor, to the Father be,
praise to His only Son;
Praise, Holy Paraclete, to Thee,
while endless ages run.


Tune: St. Peter

Placare, Christe, Servulis (O Christ, Thy Guilty People Spare!)

Placare, Christe, Servulis is attributed to the Archbishop of Mainz, Rabanus Maurus (776-856). It is traditionally sung at Vespers on the Feast of All Saints (November 1) in the Roman Breviary. The english translation: O Christ, Thy Guilty People Spare! is by Edward Caswall (1814-1878). It can be sung to any hymn tune with 8.8.8.8 metre such as the 7th century Latin hymn: Creator Alme Siderum.



PLACARE CHRISTE SERVULIS

1. Placare, Christe, servulis,
Quibus Patris clementiam
Tuae ad tribunal gratiae
Patrona Virgo postulat.

2. Et vos beata, per novem
Distincta gyros agmina,
Antiqua cum praesentibus,
Futura damna pellite. 

3. Apostoli cum Vatibus,
Apud severum Judicem,
Veris reorum fletibus
Exposcite indulgentiam.

4. Vos purpurati Martyres,
Vos candidati praemio
Confessionis, exsules
Vocate nos in partriam. 

5. Chorea casta Virginum,
Et quos eremus incolas
Transmisit astris, coelitum
Locate nos in sedibus.

6. Auferte gentem perfidam
Credentium de finibus,
Ut unus omnes unicum
Ovile nos pastor regat.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Natoque Patris unico,
Sancto simul Paraclito,
In sempiterna saecula.



O CHRIST, THY GUILTY PEOPLE SPARE! (translated by Fr. Edward Caswall)

1. O Christ, Thy guilty people spare!
Lo, kneeling at Thy gracious throne,
Thy Virgin-Mother pours her prayer,
Imploring pardon for her own.

2. Ye Angels, happy evermore!
Who in your circles nine ascend,
As ye have guarded us before,
So still from harm our steps defend.

3. Ye Prophets and Apostles high!
Behold our penitential tears;
And plead for us when death is nigh,
And our all-searching Judge appears.

4. Ye Martyrs all! a purple band
And Confessors, a white-robed train;
Oh, call us to our native land,
From this our exile, back again.

5. And ye, 0 choirs of Virgins chaste!
Receive us to your seats on high;
With Hermits whom the desert waste
Sent up of old into the sky.

6. Drive from the flock, 0 Spirit blest!
The false and faithless race away;
That all within one fold may rest,
Secure beneath one Shepherd's sway.

7.  To God the Father glory be,
And to His sole-begotten Son;
And glory, Holy Ghost, to Thee,
While everlasting ages run.

The Gladness of Thy Motherhood / Te Gestientem Gaudiis

Painting by Bernardo Cavallino, 1640 - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - The Gladness of Thy Motherhood is a translation by the Abbot of Fort Augustus Abbey, Scotland Oswald Hunter-Blair (1853-1939) of Te Gestientem Gaudiis by Fr. Augustine Thomas Ricchini, OP (1695-1779). In 1757, Fr. Ricchini composed this hymn along with 3 others for the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. Originally included only in the Dominican Breviary, they were added to the Roman Breviary in 1888. The four hymns are essentially one work: the first 3 hymns are comprised of 5 stanzas each (plus doxology) which correspond to the 15 mysteries of the traditional Rosary. The final hymn: Te Gestientem Gaudiis (the only one in use today) is a recapitulation of the first three hymns. In the Roman Breviary it was traditionally sung at 2nd Vespers on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (Oct. 7). The Gladness of Thy Motherhood can be sung to any hymn tune with 8.8.8.8 metre such as the 7th century Latin hymn: Creator Alme Siderum, as featured in the following video.

Tune: Creator Alme Siderum

THE GLADNESS OF THE MOTHERHOOD by Oswald Hunter-Blair

1. The gladness of thy Motherhood,
The anguish of thy suffering,
The glory now that crowns thy brow,
O Virgin Mother, we would sing.

2. Hail, blessed Mother, full of joy
In thy consent, thy visit too;
Joy in the birth of Christ on earth,
Joy in Him lost and found anew.

3. Hail, sorrowing in His agony
The blows, the thorns that pierced His brow;
The heavy wood, the shameful Rood
Yea! Queen and chief of Martyrs thou.

4. Hail, in the triumph of thy Son,
The quickening flames of Pentecost;
Shining a Queen in light serene,
When all the world is tempest-tost.

5. O come, ye nations, roses bring,
culled from these mysteries divine,
and for the Mother of your King
with loving hands your chaplets twine.

6. All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.



TE GESTIENTEM GAUDIIS by Augustine Thomas Ricchini

1. Te gestientem gaudiis,
Te sauciam doloribus,
Te iugi amictam gloria,
O Virgo Mater, pangimus.

2. Ave, redundans gaudio
Dum concipis, dum visitas;
Et edis, offers, invenis,
Mater beata, Filium.

3. Ave, dolens, et intimo
In corde agonem, verbera,
Spinas crucemque Filii perpessa,
Princeps martyrum.

4. Ave, in triumphis Filii,
In ignibus Paracliti,
in regni honore et lumine,
Regina fulgens gloria.

5. Venite, gentes, carpite
Ex his rosas mysteriis,
Et pulchri amoris inclitae
Matri coronas nectite.

6. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula.

Now Hell is Vanquished / Iam Morte, Victor, Obruta

Painting by Luca Giordano (1634-1705) - Courtesy of Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - Now Hell is Vanquished is a translation by the Anglican Priest Winfred Douglas (1867-1944) of Iam Morte, Victor, Obruta by Fr. Augustine Thomas Ricchini, OP (1695-1779). In 1757, Fr. Ricchini composed this hymn along with 3 others for the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. Originally included only in the Dominican Breviary, they were added to the Roman Breviary in 1888. The four hymns are essentially one work: the first 3 hymns are comprised of 5 stanzas each (plus doxology) which correspond to the 15 mysteries of the traditional Rosary. The final hymn: Te Gestientem Gaudiis (the only one in use today) is a recapitulation of the first three hymns. In the Roman Breviary, Iam Morte, Victor, Obruta (which has as it's theme: the Glorious Mysteries) was traditionally sung at Lauds on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (Oct. 7). Now Hell is Vanquished can be sung to any hymn tune with 8.8.8.8 metre such as the 7th century Latin hymn: Creator Alme Siderum, as featured in the following video.

Tune: Creator Alme Siderum

NOW HELL IS VANQUISHED by Winfred Douglas

1. Now Hell is vanquished; every chain
Of sin is broken; Christ again
Returning, victor over death,
The gates of heaven openeth.

 2. We mortals saw Him, till He passed
Into the heavens, where at last,
Partaker of God's glory bright,
He sitteth on the Father's right.

 3. From thence He sheds the promised boon,
The Holy Spirit, on His own
In fiery tongues of love, o'erspread
Above each sad disciple's head.

 4. The Virgin, from the flesh set free,
Is borne beyond the stars; where she
Receives from heaven's joyous throngs
The welcome of angelic songs.

 5. Twice six the stars that crown her brow;
The gracious Mother reigneth now
Beside her Son's eternal throne
O'er all creation as her own.

 6. All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.


IAM MORTE, VICTOR, OBRUTA by Augustine Thomas Ricchini

 1. Iam morte, victor, obruta,
Ab inferis Christus redit,
Fractisque culpae vinculis,
Caeli recludit limina.

2. Visus satis mortalibus
Ascendit ad caelestia,
Dextraeque Patris assidet
Consors Paternae gloriae. 

3.  Quem iam suis promiserat,
Sanctum daturus Spiritum,
Linguis amoris igneis
Maestis alumnis impluit.

4. Soluta carnis pondere
Ad astra Virgo tollitur,
Excepta caeli iubilo,
Et Angelorum canticis.

5. Bis sena cingunt sidera
Almae parentis verticem:
Throno propinqua Filii
Cunctis creatis imperat.

6. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula.

The Mount of Olives Witnesseth / In Monte Olivis Consito

Painting by Andrea Mantegna, 1460 - Courtesy of Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - The Mount of Olives Witnesseth is a translation by Fr. Hugh T. Henry (1862-1946) of In Monte Olivis Consito by Fr. Augustine Thomas Ricchini, OP (1695-1779). In 1757, Fr. Ricchini composed this hymn along with 3 others for the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary. Originally included only in the Dominican Breviary, they were added to the Roman Breviary in 1888. The four hymns are essentially one work: the first 3 hymns are comprised of 5 stanzas each (plus doxology) which correspond to the 15 mysteries of the traditional Rosary. The final hymn: Te Gestientem Gaudiis (the only one in use today) is a recapitulation of the first three hymns. In the Roman Breviary, In Monte Olivis Consito (which has as it's theme: the Sorrowful Mysteries) was traditionally sung at Matins on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (Oct. 7). The Mount of Olives Witnesseth can be sung to any hymn tune with 8.8.8.8 metre such as the 7th century Latin hymn: Creator Alme Siderum, as featured in the following video.

Tune: Creator Alme Siderum

THE MOUNT OF OLIVES WITNESSETH by Alan G. McDougal

1. The Mount of Olives witnesseth
The awful agony of God:
His soul is sorrowful to death,
His sweat of blood bedews the sod.

2. And now the traitor's work is done:
The clamorous crowds around Him surge;
Bound to pillar, God the Son
Quivers beneath the blood-red scourge.

3. Lo! clad in purple soiled and worn,
Meekly the Savior waiteth now
While wretches plait the cruel thorn
To crown with shame His royal brow.

4. Sweating and sighing, faint with loss
Of what hath flowed from life's red fount,
He bears the exceeding heavy Cross
Up the verge of Calvary's mount.

5. Nailed to the wood of ancient curse,
Between two thieves the Sinless One
Still praying for His murderers,
Breathes forth His soul, and all is done!

6. All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.


IN MONTE OLIVIS CONSITO BY Augustine Thomas Ricchini

1. In monte olivis consito
Redemptor orans procidit,
Maeret, pavescit, deficit,
Sudore manans sanguinis.

2. A proditore traditus
Raptatur in poenas Deus,
Durisque vinctus nexibus,
Flagris cruentis caeditur. 

3. Intexta acutis sentibus,
Corona contumeliae,
Squalenti amictum purpura,
Regem coronat gloriae.

4. Molis crucem ter arduae,
Sudans, anhelans, concidens,
Ad montis usque verticem
Gestare vi compellitur.

5. Confixus atro stipite
Inter scelestos innocens,
Orando pro tortoribus,
Exsanguis efflat spiritum.

6. Iesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu,
In sempiterna saecula.

Ruler of the Dread Immense! / Aeterne Rector Siderum

Marcantonio Franceschini (1648-1729) - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - Ruler of the Dread Immense! is a translation by the Catholic convert Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878) of Aeterne Rector Siderum by St. Robert Bellarmine, SJ (1542-1621). Bellarmine, one of leading Cardinals of the Counter-Reformation and was made a Doctor of the Church in 1931. Despite his extensive and pressing work in the theological and ecclesiastical matters of his day, he also found time to compose a number of poems in Italian and Latin. In the Roman Breviary  Aeterne Rector Siderum is sung at Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (October 2). Ruler of the Dread Immense! can be sung to Culbach, as featured in the following video.

 Tune: Culbach


RULER OF THE DREAD IMMENSE! by Edward Caswall

1. Ruler of the dread immense!
Maker of this mighty frame!
Whose eternal providence
Guides it, as from Thee it came:

 2. Low before Thy throne we bend;
Hear our supplicating cries;
And Thy light celestial send
With the freshly dawning skies.

3. King of kings, and Lord most High!
This of Thy dear love we pray:
May Thy Guardian Angel nigh,
Keep us from all sin this day.

4.May he crush the deadly wiles
Of the envious serpent's art,
Ever spreading cunning toils
Round about the thoughtless heart

5. May he scatter ruthless war
Ere to this our land it come;
Plague and famine drive away,
Fix securely peace at home.

 6. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One eternal Trinity!
Guard by Thy Angelic host
Us who put our trust in Thee.


AETERNE RECTOR SIDERUM by Robert Bellarmine

1. Aeterne Rector siderum
Qui, quidquid est, potentia
Magna creasti, nec regis
Minore providentia

2. Adesto supplicantium
Tibi reorum cœtui,
Lucisque su crepusculum
Lucem novam da mentibus.

3. Tuusque nobis Angelus
Electus ad custodiam,
Hic adsit, a contagio
Ut criminum nos protegat.

4. Nobis draconis æmuli
Versutias exterminet;
Ne rete fraudulentiæ
Incauta nectat pectora.

5. Metum repellat hostium
Nostris procul de finibus,
Pacem procuret civium
Fugetque pestilentiam. 

6. Deo Patri sit gloria
Qui, quos redemit Filius
Et sanctus unxit Spiritus
Per Angelos custodiat.

O Jesu, Life Springing of the Soul / Te Splendor et Virtus Patris

Painting by Jaume Huguet (1412-1492) - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - O Jesu! Life-Spring of the Soul by the Catholic convert Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878) is a translation of Te Splendor et virtus Patris usually ascribed to Rabanus Maurus (c.776-856). Educated under the Carolingian scholar, theologian, and poet Alcuin of York, Rabanus Maurus was ordained a Priest in 814, then made the Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda in 822,  and after retiring was appointed Archbishop of Mainz in 847. In the Roman Breviary, Te Splendor is traditionally sung at Vespers and Matins on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Sept. 29). It can be sung to: Winchester New (as shown below) or any tune in 8.8.8.8 metre. Related: Thee, O Christ, The Father's Splendour / Tibi Christe Splendor Patris.

Tune: Winchester New


O JESU! LIFE-SPRING OF THE SOUL - by Fr. Edward Caswall

1. O Jesu! Life-spring of the soul!
The Father's power and glory bright!
Thee with the Angels we extol;
From Thee they draw their life and light.

2. Thy thousand thousand hosts are spread
Embattled o'er the azure sky;
But Michael bears Thy standard dread,
And lifts the mighty Cross on high.

3. He in that Sign the rebel powers
Did with their Dragon Prince expel;
And hurled them from the heavens high towers,
Down like a thunderbolt to hell.

4. Grant us, with Michael, still,
0 Lord, Against the prince of pride to fight;
So may a crown,be our reward,
Before the Lamb's pure throne of light.

5. To God the Father, with the Son
And Holy Paraclete, with Thee,
As evermore hath been before,
Be glory through eternity.


TE SPLENDOR ET VIRTUS PATRIS - attributed to Rabanus Maurus

1. Te splendor et virtus Patris,
Te vita, Jesu, cordium,
Ab ore qui pendent tuo,
Laudamus inter Angelos.

2. Tibi mille densa millium
Ducum corona militat:
Sed explicat victor crucem
Michael salutis signifer.

3. Draconis hie dirum caput
In ima pellit tartara,
Ducemque cum rebellibus
Ccelesti ab arce fulminat.

4. Contra ducem superbiae
Sequamur hunc nos principem,
Ut detur ex Agni throno
Nobis corona gloriae.

5. Patri, simulque Filio,
Tibique sancte Spiritus,
Sicut fuit, sit jugiter
Saeclum per omne gloria.

Benedictus (Canticle of Zechariah)

Medieval Fresco of Zechariah with John the Baptist - Wikipedia

The Benedictus is the Canticle of Zechariah from Luke 1:68-79.  It takes it's title from the opening line of the Latin Vulgate translation by St. Jerome: "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel" (Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel).  A popular passage since ancient times in the Church, it is believed to have been first introduced into daily prayer by St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-543 or 547). In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Lauds (Morning Prayer).


Latin (begins at 2:00 min.)

BENEDICTUS

Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel;
quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebi suae

Et erexit cornu salutis nobis,
in domo David pueri sui,

Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum,
qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius,

Salutem ex inimicis nostris,
et de manu omnium, qui oderunt nos;

Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris,
et memorari testamenti sui sancti,

Iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum,
daturum se nobis,

Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum liberati,
serviamus illi

In sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso
omnibus diebus nostris.

Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis:
praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius,

Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius
in remissionem peccatorum eorum,

Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri,
in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto,

Illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent,
ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.


English

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel,
because He has visited us and wrought redemption for His people.

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the House of David, His servant.

As He hath promised through the mouths of His holy ones,
the prophets of old:

Salvation from our enemies,
and from the hand of all who hate us.

To show mercy to our forefathers
and to be mindful of His holy covenant:

The oath, which He swore to Abraham, our father,
that He would grant us,

That being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
we may serve Him without fear.

In holiness and justice before Him
all our days.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High;
for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,

To give knowledge of salvation to His people
through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of the compassionate kindness of our God,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us

To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet in the way of peace.

Nunc Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon)

Painting by Aert de Gelder (1645-1727) - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Nunc Dimitttis is the Canticle of Simeon from Luke 2:29-32.  It takes it's title from the opening line of the Latin Vulgate translation by St. Jerome: "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine" (Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord).  It has been traditionally sung at the conclusion of daily prayer since the 4th century. In the Roman Breviary it is sung at the end of Compline (Night Prayer). It is accompanied by an antiphon fitting for the liturgical season, such as the commonly sung: "Salva Nos Domine" featured in the following video:


Gregorian Chant

NUNC DIMITTIS (with Salva Nos Domine)

Antiphon:
Salva nos domine vigilantes,
custodi nos dormientes;
ut vigilemus cum Christo,
et requiescamus in pace.

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,
et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.


Contemporary English Version

CANTICLE OF SIMEON

Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, in peace, according to Thy word:
For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples,
A light to reveal Thee to the nations and the glory of Thy people Israel.

Urbs Beata Jerusalem / Caelestis Urbs Jerusalem

Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Urbs Beata Jerusalem Dicta Pacis Visio is an anonymous hymn which dates back to the 7th or 8th century. Originally comprised of 8 stanzas (+ doxology), when sung in the Office it is divided up: the first half is sung at Vespers and Matins, while the second half (Angularis Fundamentum) is sung at Lauds. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Caelestis Urbs Jerusalem. Both versions are shown below. In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Vespers and Matins in the Common of the Dedication of a Church.


Sung by Giovanni Vianini

URBS JERUSALEM BEATA

1. Urbs Jerusalem beata,
Dicta pacis visio,
Quae construitur in caelis
Vivis ex lapidibus,
Et Angelis coronata,
Ut sponsata comite.

 2. Nova veniens e caelo,
Nuptiali thalamo
Praeparata, ut sponsata
Copuletur Domino:
Plateae et muri ejus
Ex auro purissimo.

3. Portae nitent margaritis
Adytis patentibus:
Et virtute meritorium
Illuc introducitur
Omnis qui ob Christi nomen
Hic in mundo premitur.

4. Tunsionibus, pressuris
Expoliti lapides,
Suis coaptantur locis
Per manus artificis,
Disponuntur permansuri
Sacris aedificiis.

5. Gloria et honor Deo
Usquequaque altissimo,
Una Patri Filioque
Atque Sancto Flamini,
Quibus laudes et potestas
Per æterna sæcula. Amen

or

Gloria et honor Deo
Usquequaque altissimo,
Una Patri, Filioque,
Inclyto Paraclito,
Cui laus est et potestas
Per aeterna saecula. Amen.



CAELESTIS URBS JERUSALEM (1632 Revision)

1. Caelestis Urbs Jerusalem
Beata pacis visio,
Quae celsa de viventibus
Saxis ad astra tolleris,
Sponsaeque ritu cingeris
Mille Angelorum millibus.

2. O sorte nupta prospera,
Dotata Patris gloria,
Respersa sponsi gratia,
Regina forzosissima,
Christo jugata principi,
Caeli corusca civitas.

3. Hic margaritis emicant
Patentque cunctis ostia:
Virtute namque praevia
Mortalis illuc ducitur,
Amore Christi percitus,
Quisquis tormenta sustulit.

4. Scalpri salubris ictibus,
Et tunsione plurima,
Fabri polita malleo,
Hanc saxa molem construunt,
Aptisque juncta nexibus
Locantur in fastigio.

5. Decus Parenti debitum
Sit in aeternum Altissimo,
Natoque Patris Unico,
Et inclyto Paraclito,
Cui laus, potestas, gloria,
Sit per aeterna saecula.

Huius Oratu Deus Alme Nobis

15th c. Fresco of St. Monica - Wikipedia

Huius Oratu Deus Alme Nobis is an abridgement of the anonymous hymn Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris, which may date back as far as the 8th century. In the Roman Breviary it is sung in the Common of Holy Women.

HUIUS ORATU DEUS ALME NOBIS

1. Huius oratu, Deus alme nobis
Debitas poenas scelerum remitte;
Ut tibi puro resonemus almum
Pectore carmen.

2. Sit decus Patri, genitaeque Proli,
Et tibi compar utriusque virtus
Spiritus semper, Deus unus omni
Temporis aevo. Amen.

Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris

Mosaic from the Church of St. Agnes, Rome - Courtesy Wikipedia

Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris is an anonymous hymn which may date back as far as the 8th century. In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Matins in the Common of Virgins.

VIRGIN PROLES, OPIFEXQUE MATRIS

1. Virginis Proles, Opifexque Matris,
Virgo quem gessit, peperitque Virgo;
Virginis partos canimus decora
Morte triumphos.

2. Haec enim palmae duplicis beata
Sorte, dum gestit fragilem domare
Corporis sexum, domuit cruentum
Caede tyrannum.

3. Unde nec mortem, nec amica mortis
Mille poenarum genera expavescens,
Sanguine effuso meruit serenum
Scandere caelum.

4. Huius oratu Deus alme nobis
Debitas poenas scelerum remitte;
Ut tibi puro resonemus almum
Pectore carmen.

5. Sit decus Patri, genitaeque Proli,
Et tibi compar utriusque virtus
Spiritus semper, Deus unus omni
Temporis aevo. Amen.

Jesu, Corona Celsior

Painting by Guido Reni (1575-1642) - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Jesu, Corona Celsior is an anonymous Ambrosian hymn of the 6th century. It is sung at Lauds for the Common of a Confessor (Not a Bishop) in the Roman Breviary.


Sung by Giovanni Vianini

JESU CORONA CELSIOR

1. Jesu, corona celsior,
Et veritas sublimior,
Qui confitenti servulo
Reddis perenne praemium.

2. Da supplicanti coetui,
Huius rogatu, noxii
Remissionem criminis,
Rumpendo nexum vinculi.

3. Anni reverso tempore,
Dies refulsit lumine,
Quo Sanctus hic de corpore
Migravit inter sidera.

4. Hic, vana terrae gaudia
Et luculenta praedia
Polluta sorte députants,
Ovans tenet caelestia.

5. Te, Christe, Rex piissime,
Hic confitendo jugiter,
Calcavit artes daemonum
Saevumque averni principem.

6. Virtute clarus et fide,
Confessione sedulus,
Jejuna membra deferens,
Dapes supernas obtinet.

7. Proinde te, piissime,
Precamur omnes supplices,
Nobis ut huius gratia
Poenas remittas debitas.

8. Patri perennis gloria,
Natoque Patris unico,
Sanctoque sit Paraclito,
Per omne semper saeculum. Amen

Iesu Redemptor Omnium, Perpes Corona Praesulum

Stained Glass in Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral - Wikipedia

Iesu Redemptor Omnium, Perpes Corona Praesulum is an anonymous hymn which is sung at Lauds in the Common of a Confessor Bishop of the Roman Breviary. The earliest known manuscripts of the hymn date back to the 9th century.

IESU REDEMPTOR OMNIUM (from the Roman Breviary)

1. Iesu, Redemptor omnium,
Perpes corona Praesulum,
In hac die clementus
Indulgeas precantibus,

2. Tui sacri qua nominis
Confessor almus claruit:
Huius celebrat annua
Devota plebs solemnia.

3. Qui rite mundi gaudia
Huius caduca respuens,
Aeternitatis praemio
Potitur inyer Angelos.

4. Huius benignus annue
Nobis sequi vestigia:
Huius precatu, servulis
Dimitte noxam criminis.

5. Sit, Christe, Rex piissime,
Tibi, Patrique gloria,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc et per omne saeculum. Amen

Sanctorum Meritis Inclita Gaudia

Painting by Konstantin Flavitsky - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Sanctorum Meritis Inclita Gaudia is an anonymous hymn of unknown origin. The earliest manuscript copies date back as far as the 10th century. Some have suggested that the Benedictine monk and and Archbishop of Mainz: Rabanus Maurus (780-856) may be the author. Two versions are shown below. It is sung at 2nd Vespers in the Common of Several Martyrs in the Roman Breviary.
 

Sung by Giovanni Vianini

SANCTORUM MERITIS INCLITA GAUDIA

1. Sanctorum meritis inclita gaudia
Pangamus socii gestaque fortia
Nam gliscit animus promere cantibus
Victorum genus optimum.

2.  Hi sunt quo retines mundis inhorruit
Ipsum nam sterile flore per aridum
Sprevere penitus teque secuti sunt,
Rex, Christe, bone caelitum.

* 3. Hi pro te furias saevaque sustinent;
non murmur resonat, non querimonia,
sed corde tacito mens bene conscia
conservat patientiam.

4. Quae vox, quae poterit lingua retexere
Quae tu martyribus munera praeparas?
Rubri nam fluido sanguine laureis
Ditantur bene fulgidis.

5. Te, summa Deitas unaque, poscimus,
ut culpas abluas, noxia subtrahes,
Des pacem famulis nos quoque gloriam
per cuncta tibi sæcula. Amen

*Alternative Verse:
3. Hi pro te furias atque ferocia
calcarunt hominum saevaque verbera,
cessit his lacerans fortiter ungula
nec carpsit penetralia.



SANCTORUM MERITIS INCLITA GAUDIA (from the Roman Breviary)

1. Sanctorum meritis inclyta gaudia
Pangamus socii, gestaque fortia:
Gliscens fert animus promere cantibus
Victorum genus optimum.

2. Hi sunt, quos fatue mundus abhorruit;
Hunc fructu vacuum, floribus aridum
Contempsere tui nominis asseclae
Iesu Rex bone coelitum.

3. Hi pro te furias, atque minas truces
Calcarunt hominum, saevaque verbera:
His cessit lacerans fortiter ungula,
Nee carpsit penetralia.

4. Caeduntur gladiis more bidentium:
Non murmur resonat, non querimonia;
Sed corde impavido mens bene conscia
Conservat patientiam.

5. Quae vox, quae poterit lingua retexere,
Quae tu Martyribus munera praeparas?
Rubri nam fluido sanguine fulgidis
Cingunt tempora laureis.

6. Te summa o Deitas, unaque poscimus;
Ut culpas abigas, noxia subtrahas,
Des pacem famulis, ut tibi gloriam
Annorum in seriem canant. Amen

Rex Gloriose Martyrum

Painting by Bernardino Licinio - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Rex Gloriose Martyrum is an anonymous hymn which may date back as far as the 6th century. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to Rex Gloriose Martyrum (1632). Both versions are shown below. It is sung at Lauds in the Common of Several Martyrs of the Roman Breviary.

REX GLORIOSE MARTYRUM

1. Rex gloriose Martyrum
corona confitentium,
qui respuentes terrea
perducis ad coelestia.

2. Tu vincis in martyribus
parcisque Confessoribus:
Tu vince nostra crimina,
largitor indulgentiae.

3. Aurem benignam protinus
appone nostris vocibus
trophea sacra pangimus
ignosce quod deliquimus.

4. Gloria tibi Domine
qui surrexisti a mortuis
cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu
in sempiterna saecula. Amen.


REX GLORIOSE MARTYRUM (1632 Revision)

1. Rex gloriose Martyrum
Corona confitentium,
Qui respuentes terrea
Perducis ad caelestia:

2. Aurem benignam protinus
Intende nostris vocibus:
Trophaea sacra pangimus:
Ignosce quod deliquimus.

3. Tu vincis in Martyres
Parcisque Confessoribus:
Tu vince nostra crimina,
Largitor indulgentiae.

4. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Eiusque soli Filio,
Cum  Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc et per omne saeculum. Amen

Christo Profusum Sanguinem

Painting by Jean-Leon Gerome - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Christo Profusum Sanguinem is attributed the Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397). It is sung at 1st Vespers in the Common of Several Martyrs of the Roman Breviary.

CHRISTO PROFUSUM SANGUINEM

1. Christo profusum sanguinem
Et Martyrum victorias,
Dignamque cælo lauream
Lætis sequamur vocibus.

2. Terrore victo sæculi
Pœnisque spretis corporis
Mortis sacræ compendio
Lucem beatam possident. 

3. Traduntur igni martyres
Et bestiarum dentibus,
Armata sævit ungulis
Tortoris insani manus.

4. Nudata pendent viscera,
Sanguis sacratus funditur,
Sed permanent immobiles.
Vitæ perennis gratia.

5. Te nunc, redemptor, quæsumus,
Ut martyrum consortio
Iungas precantes servulos
In sempiterna sæcula.

Invicte Martyr Unicum

18th Century Icon - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Invicte Martyr Unicum is an anonymous 10th century hymn. It is sung at Lauds in the Common of One Martyr of the Roman Breviary.

INVICTE MARTYR UNICUM

1. Invicte Martyr, unicum
Patris secutus Filium,
Victis triumphas hostibus,
Victor fruens coelestibus.

2. Tui precatus munere
Nostrum reatum dilue,
Arcens mali contagium,
Vitae repellens taedium.

3. Soluta sunt jam vincula
Tui sacrati corporis:
Nos solve vinclis sseculi,
Dono superni Numinis.

4. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ejusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito,
Nunc, et per omne saeculum. Amen

Deus Tuorum Militum

Leaf from the Book of Hours, English (c.1300-1400) - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Deus Tuorum Militum is an anonymous hymn which may date back as far as the 6th Cen­tu­ry. It is sung at Vespers in the Common of One Martyr of the Roman Breviary. There are a number of different versions, three of which are shown below.


Sung by Giovanni Vianini

DEUS TUORUM MILITUM (same as in above video)

1. Deus, tuorum militum
sors et corona, præmium,
laudes canentes martyris
absolve nexu criminis.

2. Hic nempe mundi gaudia
et blandimenta noxia
caduca rite deputans,
pervenit ad cælestia.

3. Pœnas cucurrit fortiter
et sustulit viriliter;
Fuso triumphans
Aeterna dona possidet.

4. Hic nos precantes supplices
Te poscimus, Piissime,
In hoc triumpho Martyris
Dimitte noxam servulis.

5. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Ejusque soli Filio,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Nunc et per omne saeculum. Amen


DEUS TUORUM MILITUM

1. Deus, tuorum militum
sors et corona, præmium,
laudes canentes martyris
absolve nexu criminis. 

2. Hic (Hæc) nempe mundi gaudia
et blandimenta noxia
caduca rite deputans,
pervenit ad cælestia.

3. Pœnas cucurrit fortiter
et sustulit viriliter;
pro te refundens sanguinem,
æterna dona possidet.

4. Ob hoc precatu supplici
te poscimus, piissime;
in hoc triumpho martyris
dimitte noxam servulis.

5. Ut consequamur muneris
ipsius et consortia,
lætemur ac perenniter
iuncti polorum sedibus.

6. Laus et perennis gloria
tibi, Pater, cum Filio,
Sancto simul Paraclito
in sæculorum sæcula. Amen 


DEUS TUORUM MILITUM (from the Roman Breviary, 1962)

1. Deus tuorum militum
Sors, et corona, praemium,
Laudes canentes Martyris
Absolve nexu criminis.

2. Hic nempe mundi gaudia,
Et blanda fraudum pabula
Imbuta felle deputans,
Pervenit ad coelestia. 

3. Poenas cucurrit fortiter,
Et sustulit viriliter,
Fundensque pro te sanguinem,
Aeterna dona possidet.

4. Ob hoc precatu supplici
Te poscimus, piissime;
In hoc triumpho Martyris
Dimitte noxam servulis. 

5. Laus et perennis gloria
 Patri sit, atque Filio,
 Sancto simul Paraclito,
 In sempiterna saecula. Amen
 

Setting by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

Claro Paschali Gaudio / Paschale Mundo Gaudium

c.1315 Fresco , Chora Church,  Istanbul - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Claro Paschali Gaudio is an anonymous Ambrosian hymn dating back to the 4th or 5th century. It is one of 3 hymns which have been derived from longer hymn, Aurora Lucis Rutilat. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), Claro Paschali Gaudio was altered and changed to Paschale Mundo Gaudium. Both versions are shown below. It is sung in the Common of Apostles of the Roman Breviary during Easter Season.


Claro Paschali Gaudio

CLARO PASCHALI GAUDIO

1. Claro paschali gaudio
sol mundo nitet radio,
cum Christum iam Apostoli
visu cernunt corporeo.

2. Ostensa sibi vulnera
in Christi carne fulgida,
resurrexisse Dominum
voce fatentur publica.

3. Rex, Christe, clementissime,
tu corda nostra pisside,
ut tibi laudes debitas
reddamus omni tempore.

4. Esto perenne mentibus
paschale, Iesu, gaudium,
et nos renatos gratiæ tuis
triumphis aggrega.

5. Sit, Christe, tibi gloria,
qui regno mortis o bruto,
pandisti per Apostolos
vitæ lucisque semitas.


PASCHALE MUNDO GAUDIUM (1632 Revision)

1. Paschale mundo gaudium
Sol nuntiat formosior,
Cum luce fulgentem nova
Iesum vident Apostoli.

2. In carne Christi vulnera
Micare tamquam sidera
Mirantur, et quidquid vident
Testes fideles prædicant.

3. Rex Christe clementissime,
Tu corda nostra pisside,
Ut lingua grates debitas
Tuo rependat nomini.

4. Ut sis perenne mentibus
Paschale, Iesu, gaudium,
A morte dira criminum
Vitæ renatos libera.

5. Deo Patri sit gloria,
Et Filio, qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
In sempiterna sæcula. Amen.