Traditional Prayers, Creeds, and Ejaculations
Key: checkmarks indicate prayers which Catholics should memorize and teach their children to know by heart. To download these "must-know" prayers (minus the Paschal Greeting and Short Ejaculations), in both English and Latin, in a 5-page Microsoft Word document,click here. Prayers marked with a black dot are traditionally partially indulgenced prayers under the usual conditions. Prayers marked with a black circle are traditionally partially indulgenced prayers that offer plenary indulgences at certain times, under certain conditions (in addition to the usual conditions) Some of the other, unmarked prayers may or may not be or have been indulgenced; I will mark them if called for as I learn their status. For an interesting work that shows how St. Dominic used posture in prayer, see "The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic." Note that Catholic prayer begins and ends with the Sign of the Cross. Ideally, prayer should be offered facing East when possible.
Jump to: English name:
Latin name:
The Our Father (The Lord's Prayer)
Pater Noster (Oratio Dominica)
The Sign of the Cross
Signum Crucis
The Apostles' Creed
Symbolum Apostolorum
The Nicene Creed
Symbolum Nicaenum
Athanasian Creed
Quicunque Vult
The Glory Be
Doxologia Minor (or Gloria)
The Divine Praises
Laudes Divinae
O, God We Praise Thee
Te Deum
Out of the Depths Have mercy on me, O God
De Profundis Miserere
Come, Holy Spirit
Veni, Creator Spiritus
Soul of Christ
Anima Christi
Prayer Before a Crucifix
En ego, O bone et dulcissime Iesu
Down in Adoration Falling
Tantum Ergo
Prayer Before Meals
Benedic, Domine
Prayer After Meals
Agimus tibi gratias
I Confess
Confiteor
Act of Contrition
Actus Contritionis Actus Fidei
Act of Faith Act of Hope Act of Charity
Actus Spei
Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart
Actus reparationis
Fatima Prayer
Oratio Fatimae
Prayer to St. Michael
Oratio ad Sanctum Michael
Prayer to Guardian Angel ("Angel of God") Under Thy Patronage
Angele Dei Sub Tuum Praesidium
The Hail Mary
Ave Maria
Hail, Holy Queen
Salve Regina
The Angelus
Angelus
Queen of Heaven Hail Star of the Ocean
Regina Coeli
Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary
Memorare
My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord Canticle of Simeon
Magnificat Nunc Dimittis
Prayer to St. Joseph
Oratio ad Sanctum Iosephum
Eternal Rest Prayer
Réquiem Ætérnam
Short, silly prayers to St. Anthony Short Ejaculations Christian Greetings
Actus Caritatis
Ave Maris Stella
The Our Father (The Lord's Prayer) / Pater Noster (Oratio Dominica) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Latin Version: Pater Noster (Oratio Dominica) Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur Nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Note: See Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. The Catholic version prayed in the traditional liturgy does not include the concluding Doxology said by Protestants and which is not found in Scripture: "For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, amen." This doxology, though, or at least variations of it, are found as early as the first century, for example, in the Didache. The doxology is used by priests in the new rite of the Mass. Also, some Catholics strike their breast at the words "forgive us our trespasses" (striking the breast is the classic sign of repentance, made formally during the Confiteor, the Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus, the Agnus Dei, and the Domine, Non Sum Dignus at the Mass, and informally any time to express regret.) The English line "lead us not into temptation" is actually a bad translation, as God does not and would not actively "lead us" into temptation, a notion that would make Him the Author of evil. Though the Pater has been prayed this way in English for hundreds of years and there is no need to change it now, one must keep in mind that a more literal translation would be "allow us not to succumb to temptation." James 1:13-14: "Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils: and He tempteth no man. But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured." Learn to chant the Pater Noster by clicking here.
The Sign of the Cross / Signum Crucis In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Latin Version: Signum Crucis In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Note: When saying this prayer, one makes the physical Sign of the Cross by touching forehead, breast, left shoulder, then right shoulder. When devoutly prayed while making the Sign, a partial indulgence is gained under the usual conditions.
The Apostles' Creed / Symbolum Apostolorum
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, and in in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Latin Version: Symbolum Apostolorum Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen. Note: The Apostles' Creed is said during Baptisms, during the Rosary (optionally), at the Divine Office, etc. Regarding the line, "He descended into Hell": "Hell" refers to "Sheol" (Hebrew) or "Hades" (Greek) -- the only "realm of the dead" before Heaven was opened. Sheol consists of different areas, or levels: • •
Infernus: the place of torment for the unrighteous damned and the demons. This is the place one most often thinks of when one hears the word "Hell."; Purgatory: where the saved souls go to be purged of the temporal effects of their sins;
•
the Limbo of the Infants (Limbus Infantium): a possible place of perfect, natural subjective happiness to which those who died before Baptism (and so are denied the Beatific Vision) but who have not committed personal sins (so don't warrant punishment) might go;
•
the Limbo of the Patriarchs (Limbus Patrum): where the righteous who lived before Jesus came to earth went. It is this part of "Hell" that Christ descended into. It no longer exists.
The Nicene Creed / Symbolum Nicaenum I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. Born of the Father before all ages. God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God. Begotten, not made: consubstantial with the Father; by Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from Heaven: [kneel] and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary: and was made man. [stand] He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. And He ascended into Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead: of Whose kindgom
there shall be no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life: Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son. Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified: Who spoke through the Prophets. And in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen Latin Version: Symbolum Nicaenum Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. [kneel] Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. [stand] Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen. Note: The Nicene Creed, formulated at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, is said during the Mass.
Athanasian Creed / Quicunque Vult Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic faith. For unless a person keeps this faith whole and entire, he will undoubtedly be lost forever. This is what the catholic faith teaches: we worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit. But the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit have one divinity, equal glory, and coeternal majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and the Holy Spirit is. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is boundless, the Son is boundless, and the Holy Spirit is boundless. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, and the Holy Spirit is eternal. Nevertheless, there are not three eternal beings, but one eternal being. So there are not three uncreated beings, nor three boundless beings, but one uncreated being and one boundless being. Likewise, the Father is omnipotent, the Son is omnipotent, the Holy Spirit is omnipotent.
Yet there are not three omnipotent beings, but one omnipotent being. Thus the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. However, there are not three gods, but one God. The Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is Lord. However, there are not three lords, but one Lord. For as we are obliged by Christian truth to acknowledge every Person singly to be God and Lord, so too are we forbidden by the Catholic religion to say that there are three Gods or Lords. The Father was not made, nor created, nor generated by anyone. The Son is not made, nor created, but begotten by the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is not made, nor created, nor generated, but proceeds from the Father and the Son. There is, then, one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. In this Trinity, there is nothing before or after, nothing greater or less. The entire three Persons are coeternal and coequal with one another. So that in all things, as is has been said above, the Unity is to be worshiped in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity. He, therefore, who wishes to be saved, must believe thus about the Trinity. It is also necessary for eternal salvation that he believes steadfastly in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is both God and man. As God, He was begotten of the substance of the Father before time; as man, He was born in time of the substance of His Mother. He is perfect God; and He is perfect man, with a rational soul and human flesh. He is equal to the Father in His divinity, but inferior to the Father in His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ. And He is one, not because His divinity was changed into flesh, but because His humanity was assumed unto God. He is one, not by a mingling of substances, but by unity of person. As a rational soul and flesh are one man: so God and man are one Christ. He died for our salvation, descended into Hell, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into Heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming, all men are to arise with their own bodies; and they are to give an account of their own deeds. Those who have done good deeds will go into eternal life; those who have done evil will go into the everlasting fire. This is the Catholic faith. Everyone must believe it, firmly and steadfastly; otherwise He cannot be saved. Amen. Latin version: Quicunque Vult Quicunque vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem: Quam nisi quisque integram inviolatamque servaverit, absque dubio in aeternum peribit. Fides autem catholica haec est: ut unum Deum in Trinitate, et Trinitatem in unitate veneremur. Neque confundentes personas, neque substantiam separantes. Alia est enim persona Patris alia Filii, alia Spiritus Sancti: Sed Patris, et Fili, et Spiritus Sancti una est divinitas, aequalis gloria, coaeterna maiestas. Qualis Pater, talis Filius, talis Spiritus Sanctus. Increatus Pater, increatus Filius, increatus Spiritus Sanctus. Immensus Pater, immensus Filius, immensus Spiritus Sanctus. Aeternus Pater, aeternus Filius, aeternus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres aeterni, sed unus aeternus.Sicut non tres increati, nec tres immensi, sed unus increatus, et unus immensus. Similiter omnipotens Pater, omnipotens Filius, omnipotens Spiritus Sanctus.
Et tamen non tres omnipotentes, sed unus omnipotens. Ita Deus Pater, Deus Filius, Deus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres dii, sed unus est Deus. Ita Dominus Pater, Dominus Filius, Dominus Spiritus Sanctus. Et tamen non tres Domini, sed unus est Dominus. Quia, sicut singillatim unamquamque personam Deum ac Dominum confiteri christiana veritate compellimur: ita tres Deos aut Dominos dicere catholica religione prohibemur. Pater a nullo est factus: nec creatus, nec genitus. Filius a Patre solo est: non factus, nec creatus, sed genitus. Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio: non factus, nec creatus, nec genitus, sed procedens. Unus ergo Pater, non tres Patres: unus Filius, non tres Filii: unus Spiritus Sanctus, non tres Spiritus Sancti. Et in hac Trinitate nihil prius aut posterius, nihil maius aut minus: sed totae tres personae coaeternae sibi sunt et coaequales. Ita ut per omnia, sicut iam supra dictum est, et unitas in Trinitate, et Trinitas in unitate veneranda sit. Qui vult ergo salvus esse, ita de Trinitate sentiat. Sed necessarium est ad aeternam salutem, ut incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Iesu Christi fideliter credat. Est ergo fides recta ut credamus et confiteamur, quia Dominus noster Iesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus et homo est. Deus est ex substantia Patris ante saecula genitus: et homo est ex substantia matris in saeculo natus. Perfectus Deus, perfectus homo: ex anima rationali et humana carne subsistens. Aequalis Patri secundum divinitatem: minor Patre secundum humanitatem. Qui licet Deus sit et homo, non duo tamen, sed unus est Christus. Unus autem non conversione divinitatis in carnem, sed assumptione humanitatis in Deum. Unus omnino, non confusione substantiae, sed unitate personae. Nam sicut anima rationalis et caro unus est homo: ita Deus et homo unus est Christus. Qui passus est pro salute nostra: descendit ad inferos: tertia die resurrexit a mortuis. Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Ad cuius adventum omnes homines resurgere habent cum corporibus suis: et reddituri sunt de factis propriis rationem. Et qui bona egerunt, ibunt in vitam aeternam: qui vero mala, in ignem aeternum. Haec est fides catholica, quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit. Amen.
The Glory Be / Doxologia Minor Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Latin Version: Doxologia Minor Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Divine Praises / Laudes Divinae English version:
Latin Version:
Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Benedictus Deus. Benedictum Nomen Sanctum eius. Benedictus Iesus Christus, verus Deus et verus homo. Benedictum Nomen Iesu.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Benedictum Cor eius sacratissimum.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Benedictus Sanguis eius pretiosissimus.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Benedictus Iesus in sanctissimo altaris Sacramento. Benedictus Sanctus Spiritus, Paraclitus.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Benedicta excelsa Mater Dei, Maria sanctissima. Benedicta sancta eius et immaculata Conceptio. Benedicta eius gloriosa Assumptio.
Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.
Benedictum nomen Mariae, Virginis et Matris. Benedictus sanctus Ioseph, eius castissimus Sponsus. Benedictus Deus in Angelis suis, et in Sanctis suis. Amen.
O, God We Praise Thee / Te Deum English version:
Latin version:
O God, we praise Thee: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. Thee, the Father, all the earth doth worship. To Thee all the Angels, the Heavens and all the Powers, To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry out without ceasing: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur. Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur. Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi Caeli et universae Potestates; Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae. Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
Full are the Heavens and the earth of the majesty of Thy glory. The glorious choir of the Apostles praises Thee, The admirable company of Prophets praises Thee, the white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee. Thee, the Holy Church throughout the world doth confess: The Father of infinite Majesty; Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus, Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus. Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia, Patrem immensae maiestatis:
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium; Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Thou, O Christ, are the King of glory!
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father. Thou, having taken it upon Thyself to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin's
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius. Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
womb. Thou, having overcome the sting of death, hast opened to believers the Kingdom of Heaven. Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father. Thou, we believe, art the Judge to come. We beseech Thee, therefore, to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory. O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance! And govern them, and exalt them forever. Day by day we bless Thee And we praise Thy Name forever: yea, forever and ever. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have trusted in Thee. O Lord, in Thee I have trusted; let me not be counfounded forever. V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. R. And worthy to be praised and glorified for ever. V. Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost. R. Let us praise and magnify Him for ever.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum. Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris. Iudex crederis esse venturus. Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti. Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae! Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum. Per singulos dies benedicimus te. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te. In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum. V. Benedictus es, Domine, Deus patrum nostrorum. V. Et laudabilis, et gloriosus in saecula. V. Benedicamus Patrem et Filium, cum Santo Spiritu. R. Laudemus et superexaltemus eum in saecula.
Note: This longer title of this partially indulgenced prayer, which dates to at least A.D. 502, is "Te Deum Laudamus." This prayer is a part of the Divine Office, prayed at the end of Matins, and is also sung in thanksgiving to God for some special blessing (e.g. the election of a pope, the consecration of a bishop, the canonization of a saint, the profession of a religious, the publication of a treaty of peace, a royal coronation, etc.) -usually after Mass or Divine Office, or as a separate religious ceremony. The Te Deum is also called the "Ambrosian Hymn" and its authorship has been attributed by various writers to St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Hilarius, St. Abundius, St. Sisebutus, and St. Nicetus. An 8th century legend attributes it to both St. Ambrose and St. Augustine: they, according to the story, both sang it spontaneously on the night the latter was baptized (A.D. 387).
If the Te Deum is recited on the last day of the year, one may, under proper conditions, receive a plenary indulgence.
Out of the Depths / De Profundis English version:
Latin version:
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord hear my voice. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee: because of Thy law I wait for Thee, O Lord. My soul waiteth on His word: my soul hopeth in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plentiful redemption. And He shall redeem Israel, from all their iniquities.
De profúndis clamávi ad te, Dómine: Dómine, exáudi vocem meam. Fiant aures tuae intendéntes: in vocem deprecationes meae. Si iniquitátes observaveris, Dómine: Dómine, quis sustinébit. Quia apud te propitiátio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Dómine. Sustinuit ánima mea in verbo ejus: sperávit ánima mea in Dómino. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: specret Israel in Dómino. Quia apud Dóminum misericordia: et copiósa apud eum redémptio. Et ipse redimet Israel, ex ómnibus iniquitátibus ejus.
Note: This partially indulgenced prayer is Psalm 129, one of the 7 Penitential Psalms, the others being Psalms 6, 31, 37, 50, 101, and 142.
Have mercy on me, O God / Miserere English version:
Latin version:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies: blot out my iniquity. Wash me from my iniquity; and cleanse me of my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.
Miserére mei, Deus, secúndum magnam misericórdiam tuam; et secúndum multitúdinem miserationum tuárum: dele iniquitátem meam. Amplius lava me ab iniquitáte mea et a peccáto meo munda me. Quóniam iniquitatem meam ego cognósco, et peccátum meum contra me est semper. Tibi, soli peccávi et malum coram te feci; ut iustificéris in sermónibus tuis, et vincas cum iudicaris.
Against Thee alone have I sinned and done evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy sentence and mayest overcome when judged. For behold, I was conceived in sin, and in sin my mother conceived me; For behold, Thou hast loved truth, and the uncertain and hidden things of Thy
Ecce enim in iniquitátibus concéptus sum, et in peccátis concépit me mater mea. Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti incerta et occúlta sapiéntiae tuae manifestásti mihi.
wisdom Thou hast shown me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed, Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, and the bones Thou hath crushed shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not from Thy presence, and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with Thy spirit. I will teach the unjust Thy ways, and the wicked shall be converted to Thee. Deliver me from blood guilt, O God, the God of my salvation , and my tongue shall extol Thy justice. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou didst desire sacrifice, I would have indeed given it, with a burnt offering Thou art not pleased. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit, a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou shalt not despise. Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Sion that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings, then shall they lay calves upon Thy altar.
Aspérges me hyssópo, et mundábor; lavábis me, et super nivem dealbábor. Auditui meo dabis gáudium et laetitiam, et exultábunt ossa humiliata. Averte fáciem tuam a peccátis meis, et omnes iniquitates meas dele. Cor mundum crea in me, Deus, et spíritum rectum innova in visceribus meis. Ne proiícias me a fácie tua et spiritum sanctum tuum ne áuferas a me. Redde mihi laetitiam salutáris tui et spiritu principáli confirma me. Docébo iníquos vias tuas, et ímpii ad te converténtur. Libera me de sanguínibus, Deus, Deus salútis meae, et exsultábit lingua mea iustítiam tuam. Dómine, lábia mea apéries, et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam. Quóniam si voluísses sacrifícium, dedíssem útique, holocáustis non delectáberis. Sacrifícium Deo spíritus contribulátus, cor contrítum et humiliátum, Deus, non despicies. Benigne fac, Dómine, in bona voluntáte tua Sion, ut aedificéntur muri Ierúsalem. Tunc acceptábis sacrifícium iustítiae, oblationes et holocáusta; tunc impónent super altáre tuum vitulos.
Note: The Miserere is Psalm 50, one of the 7 Penitential Psalms, the others being Psalms 6, 31, 37, 101, 129, and 142. The Catholic Encyclopedia: "It has a prominent place in the Divine Office and in various ceremonies. It is the first psalm at Lauds in all the ferial (week-day) Offices throughout the year, outside of Paschal Time, and in the Sunday Offices from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday inclusive. It holds the same place in the Office of the Dead. It is the psalm chosen for the preces feriales at Vespers for all the weekdays in Lent with the exception of the triduum of Holy Week, for those in Advent, for the ember-days except those of the Pentecostal season, and for all vigils, except those of Christmas, Epiphany, the Ascension, and Pentecost...It is very prominent in the ceremony of the Asperges, during which the choir sings the antiphon 'Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo'...The Miserere is found in many other ceremonial functions; at the Burial of the Dead, with the antiphon "Exultabunt Domino ossa humiliata", taken from the 9th (Vulg., 10th) verse of the psalm; at the episcopal visitation of parishes, the blessing of a bell; the consecration of an altar-stone; the laying of the corner-stone of a
church; the blessing of a church, of a cemetery, of a house, of congregations, and fields; the reconciliation of a profaned church (whether consecrated or merely blessed) or of a profaned cemetery. "
Come, Holy Spirit / Veni, Creator Spiritus English version:
Latin version:
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God's hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue. Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o'erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply. Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead; so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside. Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest. Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given, with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
Veni, Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, imple superna gratia quae tu creasti pectora. Qui diceris Paraclitus, altissimi donum Dei, fons vivus, ignis, caritas, et spiritalis unctio. Tu, septiformis munere, digitus paternae dexterae, Tu rite promissum Patris, sermone ditans guttura. Accende lumen sensibus: infunde amorem cordibus: infirma nostri corporis virtute firmans perpeti. Hostem repellas longius, pacemque dones protinus: ductore sic te praevio vitemus omne noxium. Per te sciamus da Patrem, noscamus atque Filium; Teque utriusque Spiritum credamus omni tempore. Deo Patri sit gloria, et Filio, qui a mortuis surrexit, ac Paraclito, in saeculorum saecula. Amen.
Note: This prayer is attributed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856) and is used when the Holy Ghost is solemnly invoked. It is a partially indulgenced prayer at most times, but on January 1 and on the Feast of the Pentecost, however, one may, under the proper conditions, receive a plenary indulgence for reciting it.
Soul of Christ / Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Anima Christi, sanctifica me. Corpus Christi, salva me. Sanguis Christi, inebria me. Aqua lateris Christi, lava me. Passio Christi, conforta me.
O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds, hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me. To come to Thee, bid me, That I may praise Thee in the company Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me. Intra tua vulnera absconde me. Ne permittas me separari a te. Ab hoste maligno defende me. In hora mortis meae voca me. Et iube me venire ad te, Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Note: This prayer, one of St. Ignatius of Loyola's favorites, is prayed especially after receiving Communion. It dates to at least A.D. 1334.
Prayer Before A Crucifix / En ego, O bone et dulcissime Iesu Behold, O good and most sweet Jesus, I fall upon my knees before Thee, and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. And with deep affection and grief, I reflect upon Thy five wounds, having before my eyes that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, o good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet, they have counted all my bones." Amen. Latin Version: En ego, o bone et dulcissime Iesu En ego, O bone et dulcissime Iesu, ante conspectum tuum genibus me provolvo, ac maximo animi ardore te oro atque obtestor, ut meum in cor vividos fidei, spei et caritatis sensus, atque veram peccatorum meorum poenitentiam, eaque emendandi firmissimam voluntatem velis imprimere; dum magno animi affectu et dolore tua quinque vulnera mecum ipse considero ac mente contemplor, illud prae oculis habens, quod iam in ore ponebat tuo David propheta de te, o bone Iesu: Foderunt manus meas et pedes meos: dinumeraverunt omnia ossa mea. Amen. Note: This prayer is a partially indulgenced prayer. However, if one recites it before an image of Christ crucified, and under the usual conditions, on any of the Fridays in Lent (including Passiontide), one may receive a plenary indulgence.
Down in Adoration Falling / Tantum Ergo English version:
Latin version:
Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail, Lo! oe'r ancient forms departing Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying, Where the feeble senses fail.
Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui: Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui: Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui.
To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high With the Holy Spirit proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor blessing, Might and endless majesty. Amen.
Genitori, Genitoque Laus et iubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen.
V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven [Alleluia]
V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis. [Alleluia]
R. Having within it all sweetness [Alleluia]
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. [Alleluia]
Let us pray: O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament left us a memorial of Thy Passion: grant, we implore Thee, that we may so venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, as always to be conscious of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever.
Oremus: Deus, qui nobis sub sacramento mirabili, passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos corporis et sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. R. Amen
R. Amen Note: This prayer and hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas is a partially indulgenced prayer. When recited on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) or on the Feast of Corpus Christi, one may receive a plenary indulgence.
Prayer Before Meals / Benedic, Domine Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord, amen. Latin Version: Benedic, Domine Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Prayer After Meals / Agimus tibi gratias We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, Who livest and reignest forever. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Latin Version: Agimus tibi gratias Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.
I Confess / The Confiteor I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault [strike breast], through my fault [strike breast], through my most grievous fault [strike breast]. Therefore I beseech blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints to pray to the Lord our God for me. Amen.
Latin Version: Confiteor Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Ioanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, et omnibus Sanctis, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo et opere: mea culpa [strike breast], mea culpa [strike breast], mea maxima culpa [strike breast]. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Ioannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, et omnes Sanctos, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. Amen.
Act of Contrition / Actus Contritionis O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen. Latin Version: Actus Contritionis Deus meus, ex toto corde poenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum, eaque detestor, quia peccando, non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum, sed praesertim quia offendi Te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris. Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen. Note: This prayer is said during Confession, just before absolution is given, in front of the confessor priest. This traditional act of contrition isn't necessary, but some form of overt act of contrition (i.e., a traditional prayer or one's own words expressing remorse for having offended God) is necessary.
Act of Faith / Actus Fidei O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that he will come to, judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived Latin Version: Actus Fidei Domine Deus, firma fide credo et confiteor omnia et singula quæ sancta ecclesia Catholica proponit, quia tu, Deus, ea omnia revelasti, qui es aeterna veritas et sapientia quae nec fallere nec falli potest. In hac fide vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Act of Hope / Actus Spei O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Latin Version: Actus Spei Domine Deus, spero per gratiam tuam remissionem omnium peccatorum, et post hanc vitam æternam felicitatem me esse consecuturum: quia tu promisisti, qui es infinite potens, fidelis, benignus, et misericors. In hac spe vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Act of Charity / Actus Caritatis O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Latin Version: Actus Caritatis Domine Deus, amo te super omnia proximum meum propter te, quia tu es summum, infinitum, et perfectissimum bonum, omni dilectione dignum. In hac caritate vivere et mori statuo. Amen.
Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart / Actus reparationis Most sweet Jesus, whose overflowing charity for men is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Thee, eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries to which Thy loving Heart is everywhere subject. Mindful, alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Thy pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation, not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying far from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow Thee, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the promises of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Thy law. We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against Thee; we are now determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holydays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against Thee and Thy Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Thy Vicar on earth and Thy priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Thy Divine Love; and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which Thou hast founded. Would that we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Thy divine honor, the satisfaction Thou once made to Thy Eternal Father on the Cross and which Thou continuest to renew daily on our Altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Thy Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Thy grace, for all neglect of Thy great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth, we will live a life of unswerving faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the Gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent others from offending Thee and to bring as many as possible to follow Thee. O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowning gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to Thee, so that we may all one day come to that happy home, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit Thou livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen. Latin Version: Actus reparationis Iesu dulcissime, cuius effusa in homines caritas, tanta oblivione, negligentia,
comtemptione, ingratissime rependitur, en nos, ante altaria tua provoluti, tam nefariam hominum socordiam iniuriasque, quibus undique amantissimum Cor tuum afficitur, peculiari honore resarcire contendimus. Attamen, memores tantae nos quoque indignitatis non expertes aliquando fuisse, indeque vehementissimo dolore commoti, tuam in primis misericordiam nobis imploramus, paratis, voluntaria expiatione compensare flagitia non modo quae ipsi patravimus, sed etiam illorum, qui, longe a salutis via aberrantes, vel te pastorem ducemque sectari detrectant, in sua infidelitate obstinati, vel baptismatis promissa conculcantes, suavissimum tuae legis iugum excusserunt. Quae deploranda crimina, cum universa expiare contendimus, tum nobis singula resarcienda proponimus: vitae cultusque immodestiam atque turpitudines, tot corruptelae pedicas innocentium animis instructas, dies festos violatos, exsecranda in te tuosque Sanctos iactata maledicta atque in tuum Vicarium ordinemque sacerdotalem convicia irrogata, ipsum denique amoris divini Sacramentum, vel neglectum vel horrendis sacrilegiis profanatum, publica postremo nationum delicta, quae Ecclesiae a te institutae iuribus magisterioque reluctantur. Quae utinam crimina sanguine ipsi nostro eluere possemus! Interea ad violatum divinum honorem resarciendum, quam Tu olim Patri in Cruce satisfactionem obtulisti quamque quotidie in Altaribus renovare pergis, hanc eamdem nos tibi praestamus, cum Virginis Matris, omnium Sanctorum, piorum quoque fidelium expiationibus coniunctam, ex animo spondentes, cum praeterita nostra aliorumque peccata ac tanti amoris incuriam firma fide, candidis vitae moribus, perfecta legis evangelicae, caritatis potissimum, observantia, quantum in nobis erit, gratia tua favente, nos esse compensaturos, tum iniurias tibi inferendas pro viribus prohibituros, et quam plurimos potuerimus ad tui sequelam convocaturos. Excipias, quaesumus, benignissime Iesu, beata Virgine Maria Reparatrice intercedente, voluntarium huius expiationis obsequium nosque in officio tuique servito fidissimos ad mortem usque velis, magno illo perseverantiae munere, continere, ut ad illam tandem patriam perveniamus omnes, ubi Tu cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. Note: A partial indulgence is granted to those who recite this prayer. A plenary indulgence is granted if it is publicly recited on the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This prayer was prescribed to be recited on this feast by Pope Pius XI.
Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fatimae O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Latin Version: Oratio Fatimae Oh mi Jesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, libera nos ab igne inferni, conduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim illas quae maxime indigent misericordia tua. Note: This prayer is often added to the Rosary, right after each "Glory Be" prayer. This practice springs from the instructions of Mary given to the young children at Fatima.
Prayer to St. Michael / Oratio ad Sanctum Michael St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince
of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who wander throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Latin Version: Oratio ad Sanctum Michael Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude. Amen.
Prayer to Guardian Angel ("Angel of God") / Angele Dei Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here, ever this night be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Latin Version: Angele Dei Angele Dei, qui custos es mei, Me tibi commissum pietate superna; Hodie, Hac nocte illumina, custodi, rege, et guberna. Amen. Note: This prayer is taught to little children to pray at bedtime.
Under Thy Patronage / Sub Tuum Praesidium We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. Latin Version: Sub Tuum Praesidium Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix. Nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessitatibus, sed a periculis cunctis libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa et benedicta. Amen. Note: This is one of the oldest known Marian prayers and was found (in A.D. 1917) on a Christian Egyptian papyrus dating to the 3rd c. This prayer has been prayed for millennia as a concluding prayer in Compline.
Hail Mary / Ave Maria Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen. Latin Version: Ave Maria (or Salutatio Angelica) Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen Note: A beautiful story about Gabriel's greeting to Mary, on which the Hail Mary is based, from
"The Golden Legend," compiled by Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genoa, 1275: "Of the salutation that the angel brought to the glorious Virgin, we read an example of a noble knight which for to amend his life gave and rendered himself into an abbey of Citeaux, and, forasmuch as he was no clerk, there was assigned to him a master for to teach him, and to be with the brethren clerks, but he could nothing learn in long time that he was there save these two words: Ave Maria, which words he had so sore imprinted in his heart that alway he had them in his mouth wheresomever he was. At last he died and was buried in the churchyard of the brethren. It happed after, that upon the burials grew a right fair fleur-de-lis, and in every flower was written in letters of gold: Ave Maria, of which miracle all the brethren were amarvelled, and they did open the sepulchre, and found that the root of this fleur-de-lis came out of the mouth of the said knight, and anon they understood that our Lord would have him honoured for the great devotion that he had to say these words. Ave Maria."
Hail, Holy Queen / Salve Regina Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen. Latin Version: Salve Regina Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria. Amen.
The Angelus / Angelus This prayer is traditionally said at 6AM, Noon, and 6PM with at least one person leading (V) and at least one person responding (R). All should be kneeling and a bell should be rung. During Paschaltide, it is replaced by the Regina Coeli. (The partial indulgence may be gained if one who does not know the words to this prayer replaces it with 5 Hail Marys). V R All
V R All
V
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our death. And the Word was made Flesh.
R All
V R V
And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and in the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
All Latin Version: Angelus
V R All
V R All
V R All
V R V
Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae; Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Ecce ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Et Verbum caro factum est. Et habitavit in nobis. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. Oremus.Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde; ut qui, Angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem eius et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen. All
Queen of Heaven / Regina Coeli See Angelus above. This prayer, said standing, is used to replace that prayer during Paschaltide. (The partial indulgence may be gained if one who does not know the words to this prayer replaces it with 5 Hail Marys).
All V
Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia: For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as He said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.
R V
R
Let us pray : O God, who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant we beg Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Latin Version: Regina Coeli
All V
Regina coeli, laetare, alleluia: Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia. Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia, Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.
R V
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Oremus : Deus qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus, ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Hail Star of the Ocean / Ave Maris Stella Hail, O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name. Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day,
Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, atque semper Virgo, felix caeli porta. Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore, funda nos in pace, mutans Hevae nomen. Solve vincula reis, profer lumen caecis
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray. Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild, free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore. Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son, in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
mala nostra pelle, bona cuncta posce. Monstra te esse matrem: sumat per te preces, qui pro nobis natus, tulit esse tuus. Virgo singularis, inter omnes mites, nos culpis solutos, mites fac et castos. Vitam praesta puram, iter para tutum: ut videntes Iesum semper collaetemur. Sit laus Deo Patri, summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, tribus honor unus. Amen.
Note: Often erroneously attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, this hymn dates to at least the 9th c.
Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary / Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. Latin Version: Memorare Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen. Note: The Memorare is believed to have been written by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (A.D. 10901154) of the Cistercian Order.
My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord / Magnificat My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. And His Mercy is from generation unto generations upon them that fear Him. He hath shewed might in His arm, He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He
hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel, His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham and His seed forever. Latin Version: Magnificat Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salvatore meo, quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae. Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes, quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est, et sanctum Nomen eius, et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies timentibus eum. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, dispersit superbos mente cordi sui; deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles; esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes. Suscepit Israel puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae, sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semini eius in saecula.
Canticle of Simeon / Nunc Dimittis Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, In peace, according to Thy word: For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples, A light to reveal Thee to the nations And the glory of Thy people Israel. Latin Version: Nunc Dimittis Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine Secundum verbum tuum in pace: Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum: Lumen ad revelationem gentium, Et gloriam plebis tuae Israel. Note: This canticle consists of the words of Simeon, recorded in Luke 2, when Jesus was presented at the Temple. They've been a part of Compline since the 4th century.
Prayer to St. Joseph / Oratio ad Sanctum Iosephum To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and while imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities, by thy powerful intercession. Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most power protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all
adversity. Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example and sported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen. Latin Version: Oratio ad Sanctum Iosephum Ad te beate Ioseph, in tribulatione nostra confugimus, atque, implorato Sponsae tuae sanctissimae auxilio, patrocinium quoque tuum fidenter exposcimus. Per eam, quaesumus quae te cum immaculata Virgine Dei Genetrice coniunxit, caritatem, perque paternum, quo Puerum Iesum amplexus es, amorem, supplices deprecamur, ut ad hereditatem, quam Iesus Christus acquisivit Sanguine suo, benignus respicias, ac necessitatibus nostris tua virtute et ope succurras. Tuere, o Custos providentissime divinae Familiae, Iesu Christi sobolem electam; prohibe a nobis, amantissime Pater, omnem errorum ac corruptelarum luem; propitius nobis, sospitator noster fortissime, in hoc cum potestate tenebrarum certamine e caelo adesto; et sicut olim Puerum Iesum e summo eripuisti vitae discrimine, ita nunc Ecclesiam sanctam Dei ab hostilibus insidiis atque ab omni adversitate defende: nosque singulos perpetuo tege patrocinio, ut ad tui exemplar et ope tua suffulti, sancte vivere, pie emori, sempiternamque in caelis beatitudinem assequi possimus. Amen. Note: This prayer was written by Leo XIII and attached to his encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. It is to be included at the end of the Rosary, especially during the month of October. Pope John Paul II also recommended this prayer in his 1989 Apostolic Exhortation, Redemptoris Custos.
Eternal Rest Prayer / Réquiem Ætérnam Eternal rest grant unto him/her (them), O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him/her (them). May he/she (they) rest in peace. Amen. Latin version: Réquiem ætérnam Réquiem ætérnam dona ei (eis) Dómine; et lux perpétua lúceat ei (eis). Requiéscat (Requiéscant) in pace. Amen. Note: This short prayer is a simple invocation for the dead, often prayed when passing cemeteries, and on All Souls Day (during the period of eight days from All Souls Day, Catholics who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead may gain a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, on each day of the Octave, applicable only to the dead). This prayer is also inserted after each decade of the Rosary (replacing the Fatima Prayer) during the month of November, which is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It is used in the Rosary, too, during the Vigil of a Catholic funeral.
Short, Silly Prayers to St. Anthony St. Anthony of Padua had a beloved Psalter that was lost and that he begged God to be returned to him as it contained notes he'd written to help him instruct his students. In response to his prayers for the return of the book, a novice who'd left the Franciscan Order returned, bringing the Psalter (now kept at the Franciscan Friary in Bologna, Italy) with him and confessing that he'd stolen it and asking to be allowed to return to the
religious life (this was granted). Thereafter, St. Anthony became the Patron Saint called on to pray with you to find lost objects. The prayers below (there are many variations) are often heard, They're a little silly, but not disrespectful. I also include a more serious prayer: 1. Anthony, Anthony please come round; Something's lost and must be found! 2. Dear St. Anthony (or "Tony, Tony"), come around. There is something lost that can't be found! 3. Dear St. Anthony, thou art the patron of the poor and the helper of all who seek lost articles. Help me to find the object I have lost so that I will be able to make better use of the time that I will gain for God's greater honor and glory. Grant thy gracious aid to all people who seek what they have lost, especially those who seek to regain God's grace. Amen.
Short Ejaculations These short "mini-prayers," also called "aspirations" or "invocations," are to be said throughout the day to keep our minds focused on Heavenly things and to consecrate our efforts. It is good to adopt one of these as your own so that in times of stress, words that can focus your attention back to the holy come easily. These are all indulgenced prayers. • Domine Iesu Christe, Filius Dei, miserere me peccatorem! (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!) Variations: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"; "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"; "O God, be merciful to me a sinner!". This prayer is known as the "Jesus Prayer." It is the cry of the publican of Luke 18:13. • Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum! (Blessed be the Name of the Lord!) This prayer is a reparation for blasphemy. If one hears someone take the Name of the Lord in vain, it is good to say this prayer. The response to this prayer is "ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum!" ("from this time forth for evermore!") or "per ómnia saecula saeculórum" ("unto ages of ages"). • We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee; because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. (Roman Breviary) • May the Holy Trinity be blessed. (Roman Missal) • Christ conquers! Christ reigns! Christ commands! • O Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee. • O Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee. • O Heart of Jesus, all for Thee. • Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. • My God and my all. • O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (Luke 18:13) • Grant that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin; give me strength against thine enemies. (Roman Breviary) • Teach me to do Thy will, because Thou art my God. (Psalm 142:10) • O Lord, increase our faith. (Luke 17:5) • O Lord, may we be of one mind in truth and of one heart in charity. • O Lord, save us, we are perishing. (Matthew 8:25) • My Lord and my God. (John 20:28) • Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Roman Missal) • Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. • Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
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assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I sleep and rest in peace with you. (Roman Ritual) May the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised and adored forever. Stay with us, O Lord. (Luke 24:29) Mother of Sorrows, pray for us. My Mother, my Hope. Send, O Lord, laborers into Thy harvest. (see Matthew 9:38) May the Virgin Mary together with her loving Child bless us. (Roman Breviary) Hail, O Cross, our only hope. (Roman Breviary) All you holy men and women of God, intercede for us. (Roman Ritual) Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. (Roman Ritual) Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. (Luke. 23:46; Psalm 30:6) Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest. (Roman Missal) Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us. (Roman Ritual) Holy Mother of God, Mary ever Virgin, intercede for us. (Roman Breviary) Holy Mary, pray for us. (Roman Ritual) Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) Blessed be God!
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All for thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
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Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine! (Roman Ritual)
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My Jesus, mercy!
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Thanks be to God! (Deo gratias!)
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O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
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Hail Mary! (Ave Maria!)
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Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee!
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Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!
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Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!
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Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!
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From all sin deliver me, O Lord!
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As the Lord wills!
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Thy will be done! (Fiat voluntas tua!)
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Christian Greeting outside of the Octave of Easter Greeting: Praise be to Jesus Christ! Response: For evermore!
Latin: Greeting: Laudetur Iesus Christus! Response: In aeternum! Note: Pope Sixtus V, on 2 July, 1587, granted an indulgence of fifty days to this ejaculation and response.
Christian Greeting during the Octave of Easter Version I (from Luke 24:34): Greeting: The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia! Response: And hath appeared unto Simon, alleluia! (or "Thanks be to God!) Latin: Greeting: Surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia! Response: Et apparuit Simoni, alleluia! (or "Deo gratias!")
Version II: Greeting: Response:
"Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed!" or "Risen just as He said!" or "Thanks be to God!"
Latin:
Greeting: Response:
"Christus resurrexit!" "Vere resurrexit!" or "Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia!"or "Deo gratias!"
Note: Since very ancient times, Christians greet each other during the Easter Octave (the 8 days of Easter) with "Christ is risen indeed!" The one greeted replies with "And hath appeared unto Simon!" The Greek greeting is "Christos anesti!" to which comes the response, "Alithos anesti!"