The text of this beautiful hymn was written in 1849 by Fredrick William Faber, a Catholic priest in England, to remind congregations of the many martyrs executed during the reign of Henry VIII. The melody was written by Henri Hemy, a respected organist and composer, who in 1864, compiled a popular Catholic hymnal entitled, “Crown of Jesus”.
Re­flect­ing Fa­ber’s love for the Church and England, the orig­in­al third stan­za was:

Faith of our fathers, Mary’s prayers
Shall win our country back to Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
England shall then indeed be free.

1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!

Refrain: Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

2. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.

Refrain

3. Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.

Refrain