Salus aeterna

Eternal Savior

Jackson, Gabriel (b. 1962)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SATB

Accompaniment:
Unaccompanied

Function/Language(s):
Latin

Occasion:
Proper of Time → Advent → General Advent Season

Publication Information:
Oxford University Press — NH16 (2004)
ISBN 0-19-343909-3

Text Information:
Reference: “Sequence for Advent Sunday”, Anonymous, 11th century

Lyrics:

Salus aeterna indeficiens mundi vita,
Lux sempiterna redemptio vere nostra,
Condolens humana perire saecla per tentantis numina,
Non linquens excelsa adisti ima propria clementia.

Mox tua spontanea gratia assumens humana,
Que fuerant perdita omnia salvasti terea,
Ferens mundo gaudia.

Tu animas et corpora
Nostra Christe expia,
Ut posidemus lucida
Nosmet habitacula.

Adventu primo iustifica,
In secundo nosque libera,
Ut cum facta luce magna iudicabis omnia,
Compti stola incorrupta, 
Nosmet tua subsequamur mox vestigia quocunque visa.


English translation:
Eternal Savior, unfailing life of the world,
everlasting light and truly our redemption,
grieving for the ages doomed to perish by the power of the tempter,
while not forsaking the heights,
you came down to the depths by your own mercifulness.

Swiftly, by your uncompelled grace assuming human form,
you brought salvation to all that was earthly and lost,
bringing joy to the world.

O Christ, cleanse our souls and bodies 
that we may inhabit dwellings of light.

By your first advent forgive us,
and in the second set us free, so that, 
when the great light has dawned, you will judge all things, so that, 
clothed in the raiment of incorruption, 
we may follow swiftly wherever your footsteps will lead.

Notes: SATB with divisi in all parts.
Submitted by: Brian Luckner Added: Feb 5, 2022