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

Christ, of the Angels' Praise and Adoration / Christe, Sanctorum

Painting by Guido Reni, 1636 - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - Christ, of the Angels' Praise and Adoration is a translation by the Anglican priest, Fr. Thomas Isaac Ball (1838-1916) of Christe, Sanctorum 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 Christe, Sanctorum is traditionally sung at Lauds on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Sept. 29). Both Christe, Sanctorum and Christ, of the Angels' Praise and Adoration can be sung to the tune: Christe Sanctorum, an old French church melody first published in the Paris Antiphoner (1681).


CHRIST, OF THE ANGELS PRAISE AND ADORATION by T.I. Ball

1. Christ, of the Angels praise and adoration,
Father and Saviour Thou, of every nation,
Graciously grant us all to gain a station,
Where Thou art reigning.

2. Angel all peaceful, to our dwellings send us,
Michael, from heaven coming to befriend us,
Breathing serenest peace may he attend us,
Grim war dispelling.

3. Angel of strength, who triumphed, tumults quelling,
Gabriel send us, ancient foes expelling,
Oft in these temples may he make his dwelling,
Dear unto heaven.

4. Angel Physician, health on man bestowing,
Raphael send us from the skies all glowing,
All sickness curing, wisest counsel showing
In doubt and danger.

5. May the fair Mother of the Light be o'er us,
Virgin of peace, with all the Angel chorus,
And may the heavenly army go before us,
Guiding and guarding.

6. 0 May the Godhead, endless bliss possessing,
Father, Son, Spirit, grant to us this blessing;
All His creation joins His praise confessing,
Now and forever.

Tune: Christe Sanctorum


CHRISTE, SANCTORUM attributed to Rabanus Maurus

1. Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum,
Gentis humanae sator et redemptor,
Caelitum nobis tribuas beatas
Scandere sedes.

 2. Angelus pacis Michael in aedes
Coelitus nostras veniat, serenae
Auctor ut pacis lacrimosa in orcum
Bella releget.

 3. Angelus fortis Gabriel, ut hostes
Pellat antiquos, et arnica ccelo,
Quse triumphator statuit per orbem,
Temp la revisat.

4. Angelus nostrae medicus salutis,
Adsit e coelo Raphael, ut omnes
Sanet aegrotos, dubiosque vitae
Dirigat actus.

5. Virgo dux pacis, Genitrixque lucis,
Et sacer nobis chorus Angelorum
Semper assistat, simul et micantis
Regia coeli.

6. Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata
Patris, ac Nati, pariterque sancti
Spiritus, cujus resonat per omnem
Gloria mundum.

Thee, O Christ, The Father's Splendour / Tibi Christe Splendor Patris

14th Century Byzantine Icon - Wikipedia

PROPER OF SAINTS - Thee, O Christ, the Father's Splendour is a 1851 translation by the Anglican Priest, Fr. John Mason Neale of Tibi Christe Splendor 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, Tibi Christe Splendor Patris is traditionally sung at Vespers and Matins on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Sept. 29). Thee, O Christ, the Father's Splendour is sung to the tune: Unser Herrscher by the German composer Joachim Neander (1650-1680). Related: O Jesu, Life Springing of the Soul / Te Splendor et Virtus Patris.


THEE, O CHRIST, THE FATHER'S SPLENDOUR by John Mason Neale, 1851

1. Thee, O Christ, the Father's splendour,
Life and virtue of the heart,
In the presence of the Angels
Sing we now with tuneful art,
Meetly in alternate chorus
Bearing our responsive part.

2. Thus we praise with veneration
All the armies of the sky;
Chiefly him, the warrior Primate,
Of celestial chivalry,
Michael, who in princely virtue
Cast Abaddon from on high.

3. By whose watchful care repelling -
King of everlasting grace -
Every ghostly adversary,
All things evil, all things base,
Grant us of thine only goodness
In thy Paradise a place.

4. Laud and honour to the Father,
Laud and honour to the Son,
Laud and honour to the Spirit,
Ever Three, and ever One,
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

Tune: Unser Herrscher


TIBI CHRISTE SPLENDOR PATRIS attributed to Rabanus Maurus

1. Tibi Christe splendor Patris,
Vita, virtus cordium,
In conspectu Angelorum
Votis, voce psallimus:
Alternantes concrepando
Melos damus vocibus.

2. Collaudamus venerantes
Omnes coeli principes,
Sed praecipue primatem
Coelestis exercitus
Michaelem, in virtute
Conterentem zabulum.

3. Quo custode procul pelle,
Rex Christe piissime,
Omne nefas inimici:
Mundo corde et corpore
Paradiso redde tuo
Nos sola clementia.

4. Gloriam Patri melodis
Personemus vocibus:
Gloriam Christo canamus,
Gloriam Paraclito:
Qui trinus, et unus Deus
Exstat ante saecula.


Gregorian Chant

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.

Come, O Creator Spirit, Come / Veni Creator Spiritus

Make Within Our Heart Thy Home

Come, O Creator Spirit, Come is a translation of the 9th century Latin hymn: Veni Creator Spiritus (see 2nd video), attributed to Rha­ban­us Mau­rus (766-856). A Frankish Benedictine monk and theologian, he eventually became the Archbishop of Mainz and is considered one of the most important writers of the Carolingian Age. In 1899 it was translated into English by the British poet and playwright, Ro­bert S. Bridg­es (1844-1930). It is set to the 1848 adaptation of the ancient plainchant: Veni Creator (Mechlin), first published in the Ves­per­ale Ro­man­um Cum Can­tu Emen­da­to (Mec­hlin, Bel­gium). In the Divine Office, Come, O Creator Spirit, Come is sung at Morning Prayer.


Tune: Veni Creator (Mechlin)

COME, O CREATOR SPIRIT, COME by Robert Bridges, 1899 (Public Domain)

1. Come, O Creator Spirit, come,
and make within our heart thy home;
to us thy grace celestial give,
who of thy breathing move and live.

2. O Comforter, that name is thine,
of God most high the gift divine;
the well of life, the fire of love,
our souls' anointing from above.

3. Thou dost appear in sevenfold dower
the sign of God's almighty power;
the Father's promise, making rich
with saving truth our earthly speech.

4. Our senses with thy light inflame,
our hearts to heavenly love reclaim;
our bodies' poor infirmity
with strength perpetual fortify.

5. Our mortal foes afar repel,
grant us henceforth in peace to dwell;
and so to us, with thee for guide,
no ill shall come, no harm betide.

6. May we by thee the Father learn,
and know the Son, and thee discern,
who art of both; and thus adore
in perfect faith for evermore.


Gregorian Chant

VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS - Rabanus Maurus, 9th century

1. Veni, creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.

2. Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis,
caritas et spiritalis unctio.

3. Tu septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae
tu rite promissum
Patris sermone ditans guttura.

4. Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti. 

5. Hostem repellas longius
pacemque dones protinus;
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

6. Per te sciamus da Patrem
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.

Come, O Creator Spirit Blest / Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us

Make Our Hearts O’erflow With Love

Come, O Creator Spirit Blest is a translation of the 9th century Latin Hymn, Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us (see 2nd video) at­trib­ut­ed to Rha­ban­us Mau­rus (766-856). A Benedictine monk and theologian, he eventually became the Archbishop of Mainz and is considered one of the most important writers of the Carolingian Age. In 1849, the ancient Latin text was translated into English by Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878). It was included in his seminal work, the Lyra Ca­thol­i­ca: his collected translations of hymns from the Roman Breviary and Missal. The tune most associated with it is Lambillotte, written by the Belgium Jesuit, Fr. Louis Lambillotte (1797-1855). He was a composer and palaeographer of Church music. His efforts in palaeography involved the study, restoration, and standardizing of Gregorian Chant. Another translation of Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us also used in the Liturgy of the Hours is Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come.


Tune: Lambillotte

COME, O CREATOR SPIRIT BLEST by Edward Caswall, 1849 (Public Domain)

1. Come, O Creator Spirit blest,
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come, with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

2. Great Comforter, to Thee we cry;
O highest gift of God most high,
O Fount of life, O Fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above!

3. The sacred sevenfold grace is Thine,
Dread finger of the hand divine;
The promise of the Father Thou,
Who dost the tongue with power endow.

4. Kindle our senses from above,
And make our hearts o’erflow with love;
With patience firm, and virtue high,
The weakness of our flesh supply.

5. Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us Thy true peace instead;
So shall we not, with Thee for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.

6. O may Thy grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And evermore to hold confessed
Thyself of each the Spirit blest.

Gregorian Chant

VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS - Rabanus Maurus, 9th century (Public Domain)

1. Veni, creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.

2. Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis,
caritas et spiritalis unctio.

3. Tu septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae
tu rite promissum
Patris sermone ditans guttura.

4. Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti. 

5. Hostem repellas longius
pacemque dones protinus;
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

6. Per te sciamus da Patrem
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come / Veni Creator Spiritus

From Thy Bright Heavenly Home

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is an anonymous 1876 translation of the 9th century Latin hymn, Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us attributed to Rabanus Maurus (766-856). A Benedictine monk and theologian who eventually became the Archbishop of Mainz; he is considered one of the most important writers of the Carolingian Age. Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit) is sung on Pentecost at Terce and Vespers in the Roman Breviary. As a solemn invocation of the Holy Spirit, it has long been used by the Church at the ordination of Priests, consecration of Bishops, and is the hymn sung by the Cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is sung to Tallis' Ordinal. Throughout England's most turbulent period of religious change, Thomas Tallis (c.1510-1585) remained one of it's most important writers of sacred music. As composer and organist in the Chapel Royal from 1543 until his death in 1585, he composed and performed for Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth I. In 1549, Tallis was commissioned by Matthew Parker, the (Anglican) Bishop of Canterbury to compose new music which would eventually be included in the Book of Common Prayer. Of the 9 tunes, the last was for the English translation of Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­itus which was to be used during the Rite of Ordination of Priests and Consecration of Bishops. The original text begins: "Come Holy Ghost, eternal God, which dost from God proceed; the Father first and eke the Son, one God as we do read." In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come is used at Pentecost. Another translation of Ve­ni Cre­at­or Spir­it­us also used in the Liturgy of the Hours is Come, O Creator Sprit Blest.

Tune: Tallis' Ordinal

COME, HOLY GHOST, CREATOR, COME - Anonymous, 1876 (Public Domain)

1. Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,
From thy bright heav’nly throne,
Come take possession of our souls,
And make them all thy own.

2. Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The living spring, the living fire,
Sweet unction and true love.

3. Thou who art sevenfold in thy grace,
Finger of God’s right hand
His promise teaching little ones
To speak an understand.

4. O guide our minds with thy blessed light,
With love our hearts inflame;
And with thy strength, which never decays
Confirm our mortal frame.

5. Far from us drive our deadly foe;
True peach unto us bring;
And through all perils lead us safe
Beneath thy sacred wing.

6. Through thee may we the Father know,
Through thee the eternal Son,
And thee, the Spirit of them both,
Thrice-blessed Three in One.

7. All glory to the Father be,
With his coequal Son;
The same to thee, great Paraclete,
While endless ages run.



VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS - Rabanus Maurus (Public Domain)

1. Veni, creator Spiritus
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia,
quae tu creasti pectora.

2. Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis,
caritas et spiritalis unctio.

3. Tu septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae
tu rite promissum
Patris sermone ditans guttura.

4. Accende lumen sensibus,
infunde amorem cordibus,
infirma nostri corporis,
virtute firmans perpeti. 

5. Hostem repellas longius
pacemque dones protinus;
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

6. Per te sciamus da Patrem
noscamus atque Filium,
te utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

7. Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio qui a mortuis
Surrexit, ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.