Holy, Holy, Holy
The Sanctus is the Church’s ancient hymn of praise at the heart of the Mass. Its opening words echo the worship of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3, while its acclamation of Christ recalls Matthew 21:9. The priest and people sing or say it together at the close of the Preface, just before the Eucharistic Prayer continues. The Latin title means “Holy,” and the name Sabaoth means “hosts,” proclaiming God as Lord of the heavenly armies. Catholics pray the Sanctus to join the worship of heaven and earth and to welcome the Lord who comes in the name of the Lord.
In Latin
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra glória tua. Hosánna in excélsis. Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosánna in excélsis.
When to pray it: Pray or sing it at Mass after the Preface and before the continuation of the Eucharistic Prayer.