E05249: A hymn, almost certainly by Ambrose of Milan, is written in Latin in Milan (northern Italy) most likely after 386 (Aeterna Christi munera). It is dedicated to all the martyrs (S00060).
online resource
posted on 2018-03-23, 00:00 authored by robertAmbrose of Milan, Aeterna Christi munera
Aeterna Christi munera
et martyrum uictorias
laudes ferentes debitas
laetis canamus mentibus.
Ecclesiarum principes, [5]
belli triumphales duces,
caelestis aulae milites
et uera mundi lumina,
terrore uicto saeculi
poenisque spretis corporis, [10]
mortis sacrae compendio
lucem beatam possident.
Traduntur igni martyres
et bestiarum dentibus;
armata saeuit ungulis [15]
tortoris insani manus.
Nudata pendent uiscera,
sanguis sacratus funditur
sed permanent immobiles
uitae perennis gratia. [20]
Deuota sanctorum fides,
inuicta spes credentium,
perfecta Christi caritas
mundi triumphat principem.
In his paterna gloria, [25]
in his uoluntas spiritus,
exultat in his filius,
caelum repletur gaudio.
Te nunc, Redemptor, quaesumus,
ut martyrum consortia [30]
iungas precantes seruulos
in sempiterna saecula.
‘Let us sing with joyful hearts
And bearing the praise which we owe
Of eternal gifts of Christ
And the victories of the martyrs
Princes of the churches, [5]
triumphal leaders of the war,
soldiers of the heavenly court,
and true lights of the world,
After the terrors of the world are conquered,
And the punishment of the body scorned, [10]
They take hold of the blessed light
Through a direct path: holy death.
Martyrs are handed over to the flames,
and to the teeth of beasts;
the frenzied executioner’s hand [15]
armed with claws rages at them.
Their exposed entrails hang,
their holy blood pours out,
but they remain unmoving
by the grace of eternal life. [20]
The devoted faith of the saints,
the unconquered hope of believers,
the perfect charity of Christ
conquers the prince of the world.
In them is the Father’s glory, [25]
in them is the desire of the Spirit,
in them the Son exults,
heaven is filled with joy.
Now we beg you, Redeemer,
that you join your praying servants [30]
in a fellowship of martyrdom,
Forever and ever.’
Text: Fontaine 1992. Translation: Dunkle 2016, lightly adapted.
Aeterna Christi munera
et martyrum uictorias
laudes ferentes debitas
laetis canamus mentibus.
Ecclesiarum principes, [5]
belli triumphales duces,
caelestis aulae milites
et uera mundi lumina,
terrore uicto saeculi
poenisque spretis corporis, [10]
mortis sacrae compendio
lucem beatam possident.
Traduntur igni martyres
et bestiarum dentibus;
armata saeuit ungulis [15]
tortoris insani manus.
Nudata pendent uiscera,
sanguis sacratus funditur
sed permanent immobiles
uitae perennis gratia. [20]
Deuota sanctorum fides,
inuicta spes credentium,
perfecta Christi caritas
mundi triumphat principem.
In his paterna gloria, [25]
in his uoluntas spiritus,
exultat in his filius,
caelum repletur gaudio.
Te nunc, Redemptor, quaesumus,
ut martyrum consortia [30]
iungas precantes seruulos
in sempiterna saecula.
‘Let us sing with joyful hearts
And bearing the praise which we owe
Of eternal gifts of Christ
And the victories of the martyrs
Princes of the churches, [5]
triumphal leaders of the war,
soldiers of the heavenly court,
and true lights of the world,
After the terrors of the world are conquered,
And the punishment of the body scorned, [10]
They take hold of the blessed light
Through a direct path: holy death.
Martyrs are handed over to the flames,
and to the teeth of beasts;
the frenzied executioner’s hand [15]
armed with claws rages at them.
Their exposed entrails hang,
their holy blood pours out,
but they remain unmoving
by the grace of eternal life. [20]
The devoted faith of the saints,
the unconquered hope of believers,
the perfect charity of Christ
conquers the prince of the world.
In them is the Father’s glory, [25]
in them is the desire of the Spirit,
in them the Son exults,
heaven is filled with joy.
Now we beg you, Redeemer,
that you join your praying servants [30]
in a fellowship of martyrdom,
Forever and ever.’
Text: Fontaine 1992. Translation: Dunkle 2016, lightly adapted.
History
Evidence ID
E05249Saint Name
Martyrs, unnamed or name lost : S00060Related Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Liturgical texts - HymnsLanguage
- Latin
Evidence not before
380Evidence not after
397Activity not before
380Activity not after
397Place of Evidence - Region
Italy north of Rome with Corsica and SardiniaPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
MilanPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Milan Sardinia Sardinia Sardegna SardiniaMajor author/Major anonymous work
Ambrose of MilanCult activities - Liturgical Activity
- Chant and religious singing
Cult activities - Festivals
- Saint’s feast
