Custodes hominum

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General information

Office hymn for Vespers on the feast of Guardian Angels (Oct. 2nd), written by St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621).

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Text and translations

Latin.png Latin text

1. Custodes hominum psallimus Angelos,
naturae fragili quos Pater addidit
caelestis comites, insidiantibus
ne succumberet hostibus.

2. Nam, quod corruerit proditor angelus,
concessis merito pulsus honoribus,
ardens invidia, pellere nititur
quos caelo Deus advocat.

3. Huc, custos, igitur pervigil advola,
avertens patria de tibi credita
tam morbos animi, quam requiescere
quidquid non sinit incolas.

4. Sanctae sit Triadi laus pia iugiter,
cuius perpetuo numine machina
triplex haec regitur, cuius in omnia
regnat gloria saecula. Amen.

English.png English translation

1. The Guardians of our race, our Angel Guides we hail;
our Father sendeth forth to aid our nature frail
these heavenly friends, lest we should suffer overthrow
through cunning of our subtle foe.

2. For he, who justly lost the honour once his own,
the traitor angel, rues his lost and vacant throne,
with burning envy strives to make them fall away
whom God doth call to heavenly day.

3. Then, watchful Guardian, spread thy wings and cleave the air,
haste hither to our home committed to thy care;
drive thence each noxious ill that might the soul infest,
nor suffer danger here to rest.

4. Now to the holy Three your praise devoutly pour;
His glorious Godhead guides and governs evermore
this triple fame; to him ascribe we all our praise
who reigns through everlasting days. Amen.

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