The hymn ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ has a rich history that reflects the Christian martyrs’ steadfast faith and resilience during difficult times.” Frederick William Faber, an Anglican priest who eventually converted to Roman Catholicism, wrote it in 1849.
What is the story of the hymn faith of our fathers?
The lyrics of the hymn honor people who faced persecution for their Christian views, particularly during the English Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ refers to the unwavering faith that has been carried down through generations despite challenges and resistance.
The song is a declaration of devotion to the Christian heritage, commemorating those who remained steadfast in their beliefs in the face of suffering. It has since become a symbol of unity and strength among believers, urging us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
As we sing ‘Faith of Our Fathers’ today, let us be inspired by our Christian forefathers’ strong dedication and uphold their faith legacy with pride. May this hymn serve as a reminder to hold fast to our principles in the face of adversity, and to take strength from the faith that has sustained the Church throughout the ages.”
Who composed faith of our fathers?
The hymn “Faith of Our Fathers” was written by Frederick William Faber, an Anglican priest who eventually became a Roman Catholic. He penned the song in 1849 as a tribute to the Christian martyrs’ unwavering faith and heroism during the English Reformation. The hymn, “Faith of Our Fathers” has now become a beloved and well-known component of Christian worship, commemorating believers’ abiding faith across generations.
Is it the same person that wrote the hymn God of Our Fathers known of old?
The hymn “Faith of Our Fathers” was written by Frederick William Faber, while Daniel C. Roberts wrote the song “God of Our Fathers, Known of Old”. He wrote the lyrics in 1876 for the United States’ centennial commemoration. The hymn, which commemorates God’s direction and protection over the nation throughout its history, is a popular option for patriotic events and worship services.
Faith of Our Fathers Lyrics
Faith of our Fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword:
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious word.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Our Fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children’s fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
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.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
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: Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our fathers! living still
Faith of our fathers! living still. Frederick William Faber* (1814-1863). Published in Jesus and Mary: or, Catholic Hymns for Singing and Reading (1849), and later reissued in Faber’s Oratory Hymns (1854). It was conceived as part of a project to provide Roman Catholics with accessible vernacular hymns, at a time when selections from Bishop Richard Challoner’s Garden of the Soul (1740) were still the staple of non-liturgical musical expression. In its original form, it spoke to Catholics of their history, and conflicts (‘living still/In spite of dungeon, fire and sword’.
MLA style (see MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd Ed.)
. “Faith of our fathers! living still.” The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press. Web. 30 Jul. 2023.<http://www.hymnology.co.uk/f/faith-of-our-fathers!-living-still>.
Chicago style (see The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Ed.)
. “Faith of our fathers! living still.” The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press, accessed July 30, 2023, http://www.hymnology.co.uk/f/faith-of-our-fathers!-living-still.
