Iste Confessor

The Iste Confessor is the traditional hymn of the Liturgy of the Hours for the feasts of holy confessors who were not bishops, dated probably from the 8th century. Sung at First and Second Vespers and at Matins. The word Confessor is replaced according to the category of the saint celebrated (pastor, doctor, religious, etc.).

This the confessor of the Lord,
whose feast, throughout the world, the people piously venerate,
merited on this glad day
to obtain the dwellings of heaven.

He was holy, sober, chaste, and modest,
of tranquil life, calm even to the last
breath of his flesh,
until he laid down the body and breathed out his spirit.

By his prayers and merits,
the infirmities of the wretched are overcome,
grievous pains are eased,
health is restored to those who ask.

Wherefore our joyful choir,
singing hymns to you, O Christ, with praises,
celebrates this triumph,
that we may be aided together by his merits.

Glory to you, eternal Trinity,
power and honour, blessed Kingdom:
who, One and Three, govern the structure
of the world, through the ages. Amen.