Come and Let Us Drink of That New River

Adapter: Anthony G. Petti

Petti, Anthony Gaetano. (London, England, February 12, 1932-- ). Roman Catholic. University College, London, B.A., 1955; M.A., 1957; D.Lit., 1970. While teaching English at the University of London (1955-1968) and the University of Calgary, Alberta (1969-?), and directing in both cities vocal and instrumental groups whose members shared his tastes, he did a great deal of research into Renaissance literature and music, particularly that produced by English Catholics, and published critical editions of many obscure and fascinating works. He reached out to a non-specialist audience with The New Catholic Hymns, for which he served as literary editor and made several translations, was published by Faber Music, London, in 1971; editions in severa… Go to person page >

Translator: J. M. Neale

John M. Neale's life is a study in contrasts: born into an evangelical home, he had sympathies toward Rome; in perpetual ill health, he was incredibly productive; of scholarly tem­perament, he devoted much time to improving social conditions in his area; often ignored or despised by his contemporaries, he is lauded today for his contributions to the church and hymnody. Neale's gifts came to expression early–he won the Seatonian prize for religious poetry eleven times while a student at Trinity College, Cambridge, England. He was ordained in the Church of England in 1842, but ill health and his strong support of the Oxford Movement kept him from ordinary parish ministry. So Neale spent the years between 1846 and 1866 as a warden of Sackvi… Go to person page >

Author: St. John of Damascus

Eighth-century Greek poet John of Damascus (b. Damascus, c. 675; d. St. Sabas, near Jerusalem, c. 754) is especially known for his writing of six canons for the major festivals of the church year. John's father, a Christian, was an important official at the court of the Muslim caliph in Damascus. After his father's death, John assumed that position and lived in wealth and honor. At about the age of forty, however, he became dissatisfied with his life, gave away his possessions, freed his slaves, and entered the monastery of St. Sabas in the desert near Jerusalem. One of the last of the Greek fathers, John became a great theologian in the Eastern church. He defended the church's use of icons, codified the practices of Byzantine chant, and wr… Go to person page >