This edition was prepared by Nikolaus Hold — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Custodes hominum, Op. XI, No. 21
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Custodes hominum, Op. XI, No. 21 by Valentin Rathgeber — Lyrics
Custodes hominum psallimus angelos
naturae fragili quos pater addidit
coelestis comites, insidiantibus
ne succumberet hostibus.
Nam quod corruerit proditor angelus,
concessis merito pulsus honoribus,
ardens invidia pellere nititur
quos coelo Deus advocat.
Read full lyrics
About Custodes hominum, Op. XI, No. 21
This SATB setting of a Latin hymn would be appropriate for occasions celebrating the ministry of angels, perhaps in the liturgical season of Michaelmas or on feast days dedicated to guardian angels. The text invokes angels as protectors of humankind, appointed by God to guide and defend us against the fallen angel and his adversaries. It acknowledges the treachery of the fallen angel, driven by envy, and implores the vigilant guardian angel to ward off both spiritual sickness and anything that disturbs peace. The hymn concludes with a doxology praising the Holy Trinity, whose divine power governs all creation and whose glory reigns eternally. Valentin Rathgeber's work offers a devotional setting of this rich theological text.
