A Little Latin - Lesson 4
Focus: Sanctus, Mysterium Fidei, and Agnus Dei
These three Latin prayers are chanted during the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion Rite in the Novus Ordo. Let’s learn the Latin text, pronunciation tips, and spiritual meaning of each.
1. Sanctus
Latin:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
English:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Where: Right before the Eucharistic Prayer (after the Preface)
Pronunciation Tips:
Sabaoth = "SAH-bah-oht" (not "say-bay-oth")
Spiritual Note: Echoes Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. When we sing it, we join the angels worshipping God in Heaven.
2. Mysterium Fidei
Latin:
Mortem tuam annuntiamus, Domine,
et tuam resurrectionem confitemur,
donec venias.
Translation:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.
Where: After the consecration, as a proclamation of faith
Pronunciation Tips:
Mysterium = "mees-TEH-ree-oom"
Fidei = "FEE-day-ee"
Spiritual Note: This acclamation places us at the heart of salvation history. It affirms our belief in Christ’s redemptive death, resurrection, and second coming.
3. Agnus Dei
Latin:
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
miserere nobis. (×2)
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona nobis pacem.
English:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us. (×2)
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.
Where: During the Fraction Rite (breaking of the Host)
Pronunciation Tips:
Agnus = "AH-nyoos" (the "gn" is like Spanish “ñ”)
Tollis = "TOH-lees"
Pacem = "PAH-chem"
Spiritual Note: A prayer of humility and trust before receiving the Eucharist. “Agnus Dei” calls Christ the Lamb sacrificed for our redemption.
These Latin prayers are not just beautiful—they're universal. When you pray the Sanctus, Mysterium Fidei, and Agnus Dei in Latin, you’re united with Catholics across centuries and continents, lifting your voice in a timeless liturgy.
This week’s Vocabulary!