Essential

Glory to God in the Highest

Gloria in excelsis Deo

The Gloria is an ancient hymn of praise sung near the beginning of Mass after the penitential rites. It is used on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, and on solemnities and feasts. Its opening echoes the song of the angels at the birth of Christ in Luke 2:14. The remaining verses praise the Father and acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, Lamb of God, and only-begotten Son, in unity with the Holy Spirit. Christians of East and West have used forms of this hymn since the early centuries. Catholics pray it to adore God, give thanks for His glory, and enter joyfully into the sacred mysteries.

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we adore Thee, we glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only art most high, O Jesus Christ. Together with the Holy Ghost in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

In Latin

Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

When to pray it: Pray or sing the Gloria at Mass on the days appointed by the Roman Missal, or use it privately as a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

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