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| Saint Benedict receiving Totila, King of the Ostrogoths; painting by Gaspar de Crayer, 1633; Art Gallery of Ontario |
I found this hymn, by Father Faber, at the end of the book The Medal or Cross of Saint Benedict, by Dom Gueranger (it can be read online here). I am about to become a Benedictine Oblate novice, so this hymn has special meaning to me. Interestingly, Tuesday is traditionally set aside for Benedictines to honor Saint Benedict, just as Wednesday is traditionally set aside to honor Saint Joseph.
Hymn to Saint Benedict
by Fr. Frederick William Faber
1. Father of many children! in the gloom
Of the long past how beautiful thou art!
And still, dear Saint! the weary nations come
To drink from out thine unexhausted heart.
2. There are sweet waters in thy fountains still;
In every changeful age they have been flowing;
While faithful sons thy destinies fulfil
Through the wide world, like rivers in their going.
3. Kings, with thy wisdom in their hearts, dear Saint!
Have grown more royal 'neath thy Christlike rule;
And, when the earth with ignorance was faint,
Learning found shelter in thy tranquil school.
4. Deserts have blossomed, where thy feet have trod;
Thy homes have been safe shelters for the weary;
And in dark times the glory of our God
Fled to thy houses to find sanctuary.
5. O Benedict! thy special gifts are peace,
Freedom of heart, and sweet simplicity;
They fail not with the ages, but increase,
As thine own graces grew of old in thee.
6. Give us great hearts, dear Father! hearts as wide
As thine that was far wider than the world;
Hearts by incessant labor sanctified,
Yet with the peace of prayer within them furled.
7. Thou art the Christian Abraham; to thee,
Saint of insatiate love! thy God hath given
For thy grand faith a saintly family,
Countless as are the crowded stars in heaven.
8. Kind Shepherd! tend us with thy pastoral love
Across the mountains to our heavenly rest;
Father! we see thee beckoning from above;
We come! we come! to bless thee, and be blest!
