As the Processional Hymn at Mass today...
we sang one of my favorites, "Faith of Our Fathers". Besides the fact that it's simply a great hymn, I have two ulterior motives in liking it:
1. The "fathers chained in prisons dark" is a reference to my much-loved martyrs of England and Wales. (The reference is, of course, suitable for other martyrs as well- hence the use of this hymn for today's Solemnity.)
2. The author of the words was an Oratorian: Fr. Frederick Faber, C.O. (Although, alas ! Fr. Faber and Venerable Newman had some serious disagreements- but that is a long and complicated story !)
The original words to the hymn tend to be modified when sung in this country. There is a specific reference to Faber's homeland, England, in the lyrics, and I have no problem with a slight change to make it suitable for use in the US. However, other modifications are sometimes made, weakening the specifically Catholic doctrines implied in the words, eliminating the references to Our Lady's intercession or to martyrdom. Here are the lyrics, as printed by Fr. Faber in his book , "Hymns".

Faith of Our Fathers

"Faith of our Fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword:
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word:
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to Thee till death.

Our Fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them could die for thee!
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

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.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

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.
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will be true to Thee till death! "