Aeterni Christi Munera | The Victory of the Martyrs

Link to Music‘Let us sing with joyful heartsAnd bearing the praise which we oweOf eternal gifts of ChristAnd the victories of the martyrsPrinces 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 lightThrough 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 unmovingby the grace of eternal life. [20]The devoted faith of the saints,the unconquered hope of believers,the perfect charity of Christconquers 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.’