Scripture Verse

The Father…the Son and…the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:20

Introduction

Words: From an 11th Cen­tu­ry man­u­script in the Bri­tish Mu­se­um (O Pa­ter sanc­te, mi­tis at­que pie). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Al­fred E. Al­ston, Some Li­tur­gi­cal Hymns, 1903. For an­oth­er trans­la­tion, see Fa­ther Most Ho­ly, Mer­ci­ful and Ten­der.

Music: Chris­te Sanc­to­rum French church tune, Pa­ris An­ti­phon­er, 1681 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Al­ston (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), would you ?

Lyrics

Father most holy, merciful, and loving,
Jesus, Redeemer, ever to be worshipped,
Life-giving Spirit, Comforter most gracious,
God everlasting.

Three in a wondrous unity unbroken,
One perfect God-head, love that never faileth,
Light of the angels, succor of the needy,
Hope of all living.

All Thy creation serveth its creator;
Thee every creature praiseth without ceasing;
We, too, would sing the psalms of true devotion;
Hear, we beseech Thee.

Lord God almighty, unto Thee be glory,
One in three Persons, over all exalted;
Thine, as is meet, be honor, praise, and blessing,
Now and forever.