Today's Vocabulary Lesson: Latin
Sacred Words You Might Hear at Mass
If you’ve ever found yourself in Mass thinking, "Wait... was that Latin?"—you’re not alone. Whether you attend a traditional Latin Mass or just catch the occasional Agnus Dei sneaking into a hymn, Latin phrases still echo throughout Catholic liturgy like sacred bookmarks in the pages of our worship.
And no, you don’t need a degree in Roman archaeology to understand them. These phrases are short, powerful, and often deeply familiar—even if we’ve never paused to ask what they actually mean. So here’s a not-so-boring glossary of sacred Latin words you might hear at Mass, what they mean, when they’re said, and why they matter more than we might think.
1. Kyrie eleison
Okay, you caught us—it’s Greek. But we hear it at nearly every Mass.
Meaning: "Lord, have mercy"
Used during: The Penitential Rite
Why it matters: This phrase has survived since the earliest centuries of Christian worship. It’s the cry of the heart that knows it needs mercy—and it echoes across generations and geography. Think of it as the Church’s version of "Help!" but with reverence.
2. Gloria in excelsis Deo
Meaning: "Glory to God in the highest"
Used during: Sundays and solemnities, right after the Penitential Rite (except during Advent and Lent)
Why it matters: Straight from the lips of the angels in Luke’s Gospel, this hymn has been sung by shepherds, monks, choirs, and kids in itchy Christmas pageant robes. When we say it, we join heaven’s chorus.
3. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
Meaning: "Holy, holy, holy"
Used during: Right before the Eucharistic Prayer
Why it matters: It’s the soundtrack of Heaven. Isaiah heard it. John the Apostle heard it. You’ve heard it. That’s not a coincidence.
4. Agnus Dei
Meaning: "Lamb of God"
Used during: The Fraction Rite (when the priest breaks the host)
Why it matters: This is a moment of profound humility—recognizing Christ as the sacrificial Lamb. It’s also where the music often gets soft, and you can practically feel the room breathe.
5. Dominus vobiscum / Et cum spiritu tuo
Meaning: "The Lord be with you" / "And with your spirit"
Used during: Several moments throughout the Mass
Why it matters: Not just a liturgical version of "Hey, how’s it going?" This exchange affirms that the priest is acting in persona Christi—in the person of Christ—and we’re responding with recognition and reverence.
6. Hoc est enim corpus meum
Meaning: "This is My Body"
Used during: The Consecration
Why it matters: These are the words of Jesus at the Last Supper. They're not symbolic. They do what they say. At this moment, bread becomes Christ. The room may look the same, but Heaven just broke through.
7. Ite, missa est
Meaning: "Go, the Mass is ended" (or more literally, "Go, she is sent")
Used during: The dismissal
Why it matters: Ever wonder where the word "Mass" comes from? Yep—missa. It’s not just a wrap-up line. It’s a commissioning. We’re sent out to bring Christ into the world. No pressure, right?
8. In saecula saeculorum
Meaning: "Unto the ages of ages" (or “forever and ever”)
Used during: Often at the end of doxologies and Eucharistic prayers
Why it matters: It sounds a little dramatic—because it is. It reminds us that God’s reign doesn’t have an expiration date. Every time we say "Amen" after hearing it, we’re saying: "Yes, I believe this... for eternity."
Final Reflection
Latin at Mass isn’t just there to confuse newcomers or make things sound extra churchy. These ancient phrases carry the weight of centuries and the beauty of timeless truth. The more we understand them, the more fully we can enter into what’s really happening at Mass.
So the next time you hear "Per omnia saecula saeculorum" and instinctively say "Amen", know this: you’ve just agreed to something eternal.
And that’s kind of a big deal.