Dictionary of Hymnology

History

Altus Prosator, Vetustus

Account of St. Columba's ancient Latin hymn "Altus Prosator."

1 min read 11 visits Updated 5 days, 9 hours ago Added Aug 9, 2026

"Altus Prosator, Vetustus" is an ancient Latin hymn attributed to Saint Columba. It was brought to the attention of modern scholars by Dr. James Henthorn Todd in his edition of the Liber Hymnorum (1869), published for the Irish Archaeological and Celtic Society with a prose translation.

A rhymed English translation by Dr. W. MacIlwaine beginning "The Father exalted, ancient of days, unbegotten" was published in Lyra Hibernica Sacra (Belfast, 1878). In 1882, John, Marquess of Bute, published the Latin text accompanied by an extensive prose paraphrase and commentary titled The Altus of S. Columba.

Keywords

Related terms for this dictionary entry.

Recent Dictionary Entries

Newly added terms from the Dictionary of Hymnology.

Browse all

If you notice any mistake or have suggestions, please contact us on our contact page.