“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” originally penned in the reverent Latin tones as “Adeste Fideles,” is a Christmas carol shrouded in mystery and rich in history. This beloved hymn, a staple of holiday celebrations, is thought to have been crafted by a medley of historical figures. Among them are John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692), and even King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656). The hymn’s origins are further mystified by the earliest manuscript bearing King John IV’s name, found nestled in the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa’s library.
Initially composed with four verses, the hymn has since blossomed into an eight-verse masterpiece, transcending language barriers and cultural divides. Its verses have been translated into a multitude of languages, spreading its message of faith and joy worldwide. The English rendition by Frederick Oakeley, an English Catholic priest, penned in 1841, has particularly resonated in the hearts of English-speaking audiences globally, becoming a cherished rendition of this classic hymn.
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