One of my favorite Catholic hymns. Written by Frederick William Faber (1814-1863), son of an Anglican clergyman, Faber graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, was ordained an Anglican minister, and became Rector of Elton in 1843. Three years later, he converted to Roman Catholicism and founded the Brotherhood of St. Philip Neri, in King William Street, Strand. He later moved to the Brompton Oratory. Faber published a number of prose works, and three volumes of hymns.
Faith of Our Fathers
Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!
(Refrain)
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.
(Refrain)
Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
(Refrain)
Faith of our fathers, Mary’s prayers
Shall win our country back to Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
England shall then indeed be free.
