Hymn: St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

The Liturgica Horarum relies on the Common of a Virgin Martyr for the hymns of this memorial. However, this hymn is attributed to St. Damasus, Pope, and was found in the Ambrosian Liturgy.

Martyris ecce dies Agathae

Virginis emicat eximiae,

Christus eam sibi qua sociat,

Et diadema duplex decorat.

Stirpe decens, elegans specie,

Sed magis actibus atque fide,

Terrea prospera nil reputans,

Jussa Dei sibi corde ligans;

Fortior haec trucibusque viris,

Exposuit sua membra flagris.

Pectore quam fuerit valido,

Torta mamilla docet patulo.

Deliciae cui carcer erat;

Pastor ovem Petrus hanc recreat.

Laetior inde, magisque flagrans,

Cuncta flagella cucurrit ovans.

Ethnica turba, rogem fugiens,

Hujus et ipsa meretur opem;

Quos fidei titulus decorat,

His Venerem magis ipsa premat.

Jam renitens, quasi sponsa, polo,

Pro misero rogita Damaso.

Sic sua festa coli faciat,

Se celebrantibus ut faveat.

Gloria cum Patre sit Genito,

Spirituique proinde sacro,

Qui Deus unus et omnipotens

Hanc nostri faciat memorem. Amen.

Lo! is come the bright festal day of the glorious Martyr and Virgin Agatha, when Christ took her to himself, and a double crown wreathed her brow.

Though noble by birth and blessed with beauty, her grandest riches were her deeds and her faith. Earthly prosperity was nothing in her eyes, but her whole heart was on the precepts of her God.

Her bravery tired out the men that tortured her; she flinched not as they lashed her limbs; and her wounded breast reveals a dauntless heart.

Her prison was her paradise, where the Pastor Peter heals his bleeding lamb; and thence once more she runs to suffer, gladder and braver at every wound.

A Pagan city, once in flames, was saved by Agatha’s prayer.

The same can check, in Christina hears, the threatening fire of lust.

Now that though are in Heaven, clad as a bride of Christ, intercede with him for us miserable sinners, that He may us so to spend thy Feast, that our celebration may draw down His Grace.

Glory be to the Son, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost. May the One Almighty God grant that this his Saint be mindful of us. Amen

Translation From Gueranger, Liturgical Year, Vol. 4 pg. 248