Iste Confessor

This the Confessor of the Lord

The Hymns of the Breviary and Missal

Iste Confessor Domini colentes
Quem pie laudant populi per orbem:
Hac die lætus meruit beatas
Scandere sedes.
Qui pius, prudens, humilis, pudicus,
Sobriam duxit sine labe vitam,
Donee humanos animavit auræ
Spiritus artus.
Cujus ob præstans meritum frequenter,
Ægra quæ passim jacuere membra,
Viribus morbi domitis, saluti
Restituuntur.
Noster hinc illi chorus obsequentem
Concinit laudem, celebresque palmas;
Ut piis ejus precibus juvemur
Omne per ævum.
Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus,
Qui super cœli solio coruscans,
Totius mundi seriem gubernat
Trinus et unus.

This the Confessor of the Lord, whose triumph
Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness
Erst on this feast-day merited to enter
Into his glory.
Saintly and prudent, modest in behavior,
Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly.
While that life s vigor, coursing through his members,
Quickened his being.
Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting,
Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted,
Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning,
At his petition.
Whence we in chorus gladly do him honor,
Chanting his praises with devout affection,
That in his merits we may have a portion,
Now and forever.
His be the glory, power and salvation,
Who over all things reigneth in the highest,
Earth’s might fabric ruling and directing,
Onely and Trinal.

Author: Unknown, 8^th cent. Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation a cento from The Hymner. There are twelve translations. First line of Original Text: Iste Confessor Domini sacratus. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Vespers and Matins on Feasts of Confessors Bishops, and Confessors not Bishops. Read the article on Confessor, in the Cath. Encycl.

“This Confessor of the Lord, whom reverent nations throughout the world lovingly venerate, merited on this day to ascend with joy to the blest abodes.” Hac die, i.e., the Feast Day of the Saint, the day of his death. If it is not the day of the Saint’s death, the last two lines are changed thus:
Hac die lætus meruit supremos
Laudis honores.
“On this day merited with joy the highest honors of praise.” Scandere = ascendere.
“Pious, prudent, humble, and chaste, he led a sober life, without stain, as long as the breath of life animated his human members.” Humanos artus, his body, frame. Spiritus auræ, lit., a breath of air. Read St. Paul’s conception of a Bishop (1 Tim. esp. 3, 2).
“On account of his eminent merits it often happens that members (the faithful) lying sick in various places, are restored to health, the violence of their disease being overcome.” Membra saluti restituuntur = membris salus restituitur.
“Wherefore to him does our choir sing gracious praises, and celebrate his victories: may we be aided by his pious prayers throughout the ages.”
“To Him who is resplendent on the throne of heaven, be salvation, glory, and power; to Him who, Three and One, ruleth the course of the whole world.