Holy Year Hymn

A special hymn was composed for the Jubilee of the Martyrs of Najran. The hymn references different episodes in the lives of the martyrs and links them to the Cross, the Eucharistic Sacrifice and Christian witness. 

                                       I

1. Hail th’ Arabian saints victorious,
   Victors in the Cross of Christ
   Hail their true example glorious,
   Who for love were sacrificed.

2. In the one pure chalice sharing
   They confessed Him Christ and God.
   And their own hard crosses bearing,
   After Him, His path they trod.


3. As we place upon the altar
   Our own sacrifice today
   May our courage never falter:
   For fidelity we pray.


4. For the martyrs, necks inclining,
   Made their offerings of praise.
   And in fire, their faces shining,
   Looked to God with steady gaze.


5. Lo! Though weak and young and lowly,
   See their great nobility!
   Sacrifice has made them holy;
   Faith and love have set them free.


6. On their shining witness founded,
   In the strength of martyrs’ blood,
   Let the faith which then abounded
   Fill us like a mighty flood.


7. Holy is the God of heaven
   Holy is the Lamb once slain.
   Praise to God for glory given,
   Praise Him for His endless reign.

                                   II
 

1. Let us marvel at the story
   Of the martyrs, sacrificed,
   As like Arethas, we glory
   In the cross of Jesus Christ.

2. With the Lord’s own death united,
   Single-heartedly they died,
   Like the virgins, lanterns lighted,
   Watching for the Crucified.


3. Young and old, with faith unyielding,
   Victors over fire and sword,
   Banners flying, courage wielding,
   Ran to grasp their high reward.


4. Bravely thus the women hurried,
   Rushing to their final goal,
   For the One who rose, though buried,
   Can revive both flesh and soul.


5. They abandoned gold and treasure,
   Goods of earth that cannot last,
   For the wealth beyond all measure
   Kept for those whose faith holds fast.


6. May the church, destroyed by burning,
   Killing all who stood inside,
   Rise anew, a vine returning,
   Pruned and fed and sanctified.


7. May the’Arabian martyrs praying,
   Be a wall to save this land.
   As they spent their lives obeying
   Let us follow Your command.


8. Be it thus in every nation.
   Let fidelity arise!
   Clothed in garments of salvation,
   Straining forward to the prize.


9. Holy is the God of heaven
   Holy is the Lamb once slain.
   Praise to God for glory given,
   Praise Him for His endless reign.

Texts: K. Pluth, 2023

NOTES:
Composed with an 8.7.8.7 meter, the verses can be sung with or without the refrain. When sung without refrain, the refrain may be used as additional verse. Two possible refrains are given.

Originally written as a single hymn for long processions, it is broken up below into two texts for ease of use. However, the verses are interchangeable (i.e. the verses of one can be added to another) – communities may create a suitable text by selecting appropriate verses from each hymn.

These hymns may be used at any part of the Mass, or at another devotion in honour of the martyrsn. The stanzas of the Hail th’Arabian saints are particularly suited for use at the Eucharist, especially as Offertory or even Communion hymns.

The suggested tune is SUSSEX for when the refrain is not used - any suitable 87.87 or 87.87 D hymn tune may be used.