Armorum fortissime ductor Sebastiane

This motet by Adrian Willaert would suit a service dedicated to St Sebastian. The Latin text extols him as the "strongest leader of armies", a martyr who triumphed over Diocletian by faith alone. He is praised for despising the emperor's power and threats, and for strengthening the souls of other martyrs. The text further recounts how Sebastian cast down idols of Jupiter and Apollo, revealing demons to be non-gods. The final supplication asks the saint, now reigning in heaven, to protect our minds and bodies, just as he once cured the sicknesses of souls during his mortal life. The four-part setting for ATTB voices allows for rich, resonant harmonies.