Sancte Michael Anchangele (Holy Michael Archangel)

SANCTE MICHAEL ARCHANGELE

 NARRARE

In the Traditional Latin Mass, there are times the priest may recite specific prayers in order to spiritually amplify our protection against Satan. One of these prayers is the, "Sancte Michael Archangele," which translates to "Holy Saint Michael."  I enjoyed praying in unison with the priest, altar servers, and my faithful brethren. Later on, I researched why this prayer came into existence in the Catholic Church as well. 

The origins of this prayer can be traced back to the late 19th century, and does not possess a singular definitive origin. Nonetheless, the most well-known narrative includes a vision Pope Leo XIII had after celebrating Mass. As quoted in the article, "The Demonic Vision that Inspired the St. Michael Prayer," author Philip Koloski states, "According to Kevin Symonds, author of Pope Leo XIII and the Prayer to St. MIchael," the vision likely occurred between 1884 and 1886...Several different reports relate that Pope Leo had a visible change come over his face during the vision and one claims that his face was 'pale and fearful.'

A cardinal at the time who knew the pope’s private secretary explains that “Pope Leo XIII truly had a vision of demonic spirits, who were gathering on the Eternal City (Rome). From that experience … comes the prayer which he wanted the whole Church to recite.”

As time went on a few embellishments started to appear regarding the vision, claiming that Pope Leo witnessed a conversation between Jesus and Satan. The popular story even goes so far as to record the dialogue between the two and is usually recounted as follows:

Satan says to Jesus: “I can destroy your Church.”

Jesus replies: “You can? Then go ahead and do so.”

Satan: “To do so, I need more time and more power.”

Jesus: “How much time? How much power?

Satan: “75 to 100 years, and a greater power over those who will give themselves over to my service.”

Jesus: “You have the time, you will have the power. Do with them what you will.”

To read the full story, click the link below:

Link: https://aleteia.org/2017/09/25/the-demonic-vision-that-inspired-the-st-michael-prayer/

SANCTE MICHAEL ARCHANGELE

Ite Missa Est (Go, the Mass is ended)

 ITE MISSA EST

Narrare

After laity receives Holy Communion, a reverent silence begins to permeate the parish. The priest begins to store the Body of our Lord inside the Tabernacle, cleans the Consecrated Chalice, and recites the remaining prayers. Afterwards, he turns around, and says, "Ite, missa est," which means, "Go, the Mass is ended." Simultaneously, I always feel happy, and a little anxious when the Mass ends, because I do not want to leave. However, I know God calls us (the faithful) to be the salt of the Earth. So we may work for the conversion of all peoples' in all nations. 

ETYMOLOGY

• "Ite" is the imperative form of the Latin verb "ire," which means "to go."

• "Missa" is the feminine singular form of the past participle of the Latin verb "mittere," which means "to send."

• "Est" is the third person singular present indicative form of the Latin verb "esse," which means "to be."

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE DISMISSAL IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS: ITE MISSA EST

ITE MISSA EST

Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi (The Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

 CORPUS DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. amen

NARRARE

The culmination of Catholicism is the Eucharist. During this celebration, the liturgy prepares us for the Holy Sacrifice in order to receive our Lord with adoration, humility, and contrition. Reducing ourselves to penitent individuals, so Christ Himself can increase within our hearts. This sincere transformation grants us the ability to approach Him, and kneel down to receive him on the tongue. 

Each time I am kneeling down awaiting for my Lord's flesh, and blood, I observe the altar. I analyze my Lord on the cross, and the blood trickling down from his forehead, his pierced palms, and feet. All I can ponder is, "Lord...you did this for me...?...What have I done for you in order for you to experience this suffering..?" Then, I briefly stare at statues of the saints; contemplating how much they love Christ themselves. These martyrs, and devout souls once walked the Earth, and now they have the pleasure of adoring Him in Heaven. I just think, "Christ I know I am unworthy, but I will reduce myself to receive You." My pleasant daydream quickly disappears as the priest stands before me, and quietly says, "Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. Amen."  The priest places the Eucharist on my tongue, I return to my pew, and consume His flesh. As each particle trickles down my throat, my heart pumps harder, and my eyes are moisturized by tears. My breath is taken away so I inhale a new atmosphere to fill my lungs...

etymology

• "Corpus" means "body" which means "body" or "form."

• "Domini" is the genitive form of "Dominus," which means "Lord" or "Master."

• "Nostri" means "our."

• "Jesu" is the vocative form of "Jesus." It's the Latinized form of the Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsoûs), which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "God saves" or "God is salvation."

• "Christi" is the genitive form of "Christus," which means "Christ" or "the Anointed One."

• "Custodiat" is the third person singular present subjunctive form of the verb "custodire," which means "to guard" or "to protect."

• "Animam" means "soul."

• "Tuam" means "your" (singular, referring to one person).

• "In" means "unto" or "into."

• "Vitam" means "life."

• "Aeternam" means "eternal" or "everlasting."

• "Amen" is a word of Hebrew origin that has been adopted into many languages, including Latin and English. It's used to express agreement, affirmation, or assent.

VISUAL REPRESENTATON OF HOLY COMMUNION IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS: HOLY COMMUNION

 CORPUS DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. amen

Pax Tecum (Peace be with thee)

 PAX TECUM 

NARRARE

Shortly, before laity receives Holy Communion, the priest says "Pax Tecum."  I remember hearing the designated celebrant make this brief statement during my entire experience attending Latin Mass. This phrase had not resonated with me until a few weeks passed. I began to contemplate the word "Tecum,"  because I knew "Cum," translated into "With."  However, my insight ended with this word, I could not guess what the word, "Pax,"  or prefix "Te." could mean. I aspired to understand the literal translation of these words, becausen they were said before receiving the Eucharist. I would think, "What if this phrase has a deep significance? And I am missing out?" Although this was not true, I did research to find the translation showcased below: 

Etymology

• "Pax" means "peace" in Latin.

• "Tecum" is a Latin word that means "with you." It's derived from the Latin pronoun "tu" (you) and the preposition "cum" (with). 

"Pax tecum" translates to "Peace with you." As stated in the Roman Missal of 1962, "The position in the Mass of this sign of fraternal charity is characteristic. Before receiving the Body of our Lord, Christians should know that they are at peace with their brethren."

PAX TECUM

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi... (Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world...)

 AGNUS DEI, QUI TOLLIS PECCATA MUNDI

NARRARE

A separate consequential prayer named, "The Agnus Dei," must be recited by the priest. This invocation is an important constituent, because it reminds us of the purpose of why Christ suffered. Also, this prayer reveals what humanity begs God for, or what they should constantly plead Him to give them. Which is mercy, and peace. 

Without  full awareness of this orison one will miss meditating on the mercy, and peace he, or she needs from God in order to repent from sin, and live a sanctified life. More importantly, if they are to receive the Eucharist during Mass. Although, it is beautiful, and bountiful to listen to the, "Agnus Dei,"  solely with reverence, your worship to God is aggrandized by understanding what your are hearing. If we speak to God in Latin--the Catholic Church's official consecrated language--with admiration, and it is reverential. Imagine the connection one can establish with their Christ through their faith, and ability to communicate in Latin. There have been times I have shed tears during Mass, and I know it is due to the awakened state I am in during this holy sacrifice. 

Etymology 

"Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."

• "Agnus" means "lamb." 

• "Dei" means "of God." 

So "Agnus Dei" translates to "Lamb of God."

• "Qui" means "who."

• "Tollis" means "take away" or "remove."

• "Peccata" means "sins."

• "Mundi" means "of the world."

Therefore, "Qui tollis peccata mundi" translates to "who takes away the sins of the world."

This phrase is derived from Sacred Scripture, specifically from the New Testament, in the Gospel of John, where John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SUNG AGNUS DEI IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

Traditional Latin Mass: Sung Agnus Dei

AGNUS DEI, QUI TOLLIS PECCATA MUNDI

Sed libera nos a malo (But deliver us from evil)

 SED LIBERA NOS A MALO

NARRARE

There are prayers before receiving the Eucharist. The priest recites a prayer named, The Lord's Prayer. Also known as the "Pater Noster," this translates to "Our Father."  I remember listening to this prayer in Latin, I would listen to each word, and feel more appreciation for the liturgy. Mainly, because I understood what was being said due to having the English version memorized. Out of the entire prayer, the phrase that stood out to me was the last four words, "Sed libera nos a malo."  I knew it meant, "But deliver us from evil,"  but I wondered, "What about those who do not comprehend what it means?" Which is why this questioned is answered below: 

ETYMOLOGY

• "Sed," translates to "But" in English. It's a conjunction used to contrast or introduce a contrasting idea.

• "Libera nos," translates to "deliver us." "Libera" is the imperative form of the verb "liberare," which means "to free" or "to deliver." "Nos" means "us."

• "A malo," translates to "from evil." "A" is a preposition meaning "from," and "malo" is the ablative form of the noun "malum," which means "evil" or "misfortune."

Together, "Sed libera nos a malo" literally means "But deliver us from evil," as it appears in the Lord's Prayer. It is a plea for protection, and guidance from the dangers, and temptations of evil. This follows in accordance to Mass, because afterwards the priest recites a more detail-oriented prayer, asking God to free us from which evils we beg to be delivered from.

Below is the full Lord's prayer in Latin, and English: 

Pater noster, 

qui es in coelis: 

sanctificetur nomen tuum: 

adveniat regnum tuum: 

fiat voluntas tua, 

sicut in coelo, 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 tentantionem. 

Sed libera nos a malo. 

Amen. 

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. 

Amen. 

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE PATER NOSTER OF THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS: PATER NOSTER

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS: PATER NOSTER

Amen (Amen)

AMEN 

narrare

One word I never questioned was "Amen."  Whether in the English, or Spanish Novus Ordo Mass, or Traditional Latin Mass; I never understood why I always had to respond with "Amen,"  after every prayer. I have automatically responded with this term without ever thinking of the actual meaning, or significance. Honestly speaking, I believed this word to simply be a response equitably similar to the word "yes, or okay." When in actuality, perceiving a liturgical response in this way is ignorant. My curiosity to understand this term stems from having to repeatedly hear, and say, "Amen," throughout the Latin Mass. 

The word "Amen" has its roots in ancient Semitic languages, particularly Hebrew and Aramaic. In Hebrew, it is spelled אמן and in Aramaic, it is אמן (pronounced "amen" or "amēn").

In its original Semitic context, "Amen" signifies agreement, affirmation, or truth. It is derived from the Hebrew root א־מ־ן (aleph-mem-nun), which means "to be firm" or "to confirm." Essentially, when someone says "Amen," they are expressing their belief in the truthfulness or validity of what has been said.

Learning this insightful information led me to comprehend how impactful it is to proclaim, "Amen."  When one speaks this word, he or she is stating truth, affirmation, firmness, or  confirmation. Wholeheartedly accepting, and projecting truth for the world. In the Catholic Church, Christ is the truth, and only path to salvation. AMEN! 

AMEN

Hoc est enim corpus meum, Hic est enim Calix Sanguinis mei novi et aeterni Testementi(For this is my body, For this is the chalice of my blood of the new and eternal testament)

 HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM, HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI NOVI ET AETERNI TESTEMENTI

Narrare

The priest consecrates the unleavened bread by stating, "Hoc est enim Corpus meum," After these words are spoken, he kneels; demonstrating adoration to the flesh of Christ. Then, he elevates his hands with gradual motion, holding in his fingers God's flesh. Afterwards, an altar server rings the consecrated bells three times. Then, the priest slowly brings down the Eucharist. Following this, a complete silence ensues with everyone staring with veneration at the blessed sacrament (Eucharist). Subsequently, the priest consecrates the wine, stating, "Hic est enim Calix Sanguinis mei novi et aeterni Testementi: Mysterium fidei: qui pro vobis et pro multis effunder in remissionem peccatorum." Then he says, "Haec quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facietis."  The priest then repeats the same reverence with the Chalice. 

As I witnessed the consecration of the bread, and wine transforming into the substantial flesh, and blood of Christ all I could do was surrender myself to Him. Christ makes Himself present, and all I ask for are the virtues of humility, and obedience in order to be worthy enough to receive Him on my tongue while kneeling down. As I stare from the pews, I only wish for my flesh to be subdued in order to be a faithful servant to Christ. 

For those who wondered what I wondered, the translations of these Latin liturgical statements, and their etymological meanings are showcased below: 

ETYMOLOGY & TRANSLATION

The phrase "Hoc est enim Corpus meum" is Latin and translates to "For this is my body" in English.

• "Hoc" is the neuter demonstrative pronoun in Latin, meaning "this."

• "Est" is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb "esse," which means "to be."

• "Enim" is a Latin conjunction meaning "for" or "indeed," used to introduce an explanation or reason.

• "Corpus" means "body" in Latin, referring to the body of Christ in the context of the Eucharist.

• "Meum" is the singular possessive pronoun in Latin, meaning "my."

The Latin phrase "Hic est enim calix Sanguinis mei novi et aeterni Testamenti: mysterium fidei: qui pro vobis et pro multis effundetur in remissionem peccatorum" translates to "For this is the chalice of my blood of the new and eternal testament: the mystery of faith: which shall be shed for you and for many unto the remission of sins."

• "Hic" means "this."

• "Est" is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb "esse," which means "to be."

• "Enim" is a Latin conjunction meaning "for" or "indeed," used to introduce an explanation or reason.

• "Calix" means "chalice" or "cup."

• "Sanguinis" is the genitive singular form of "sanguis," which means "blood."

• "Mei" is the genitive singular form of "meus," meaning "my."

• "Novi" is the genitive singular form of "novus," meaning "new."

• "Et" means "and."

• "Aeterni" is the genitive singular form of "aeternus," meaning "eternal."

• "Testamenti" is the genitive singular form of "testamentum," meaning "testament" or "covenant."

• "Mysterium" means "mystery."

• "Fidei" is the genitive singular form of "fides," meaning "faith."

• "Qui" means "which."

• "Pro" means "for" or "on behalf of."

• "Vobis" means "you" (plural).

• "Et" means "and."

• "Multis" means "many."

• "Effundetur" is the third person singular future passive indicative form of the verb "effundere," which means "to pour out" or "to shed."

• "In" means "into" or "unto."

• "Remissionem" is the accusative singular form of "remissio," meaning "remission" or "forgiveness."

• "Peccatorum" is the genitive plural form of "peccatum," meaning "sin."

The Latin phrase "Haec quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facietis" translates to "Do this in memory of me."

• "Haec" is the neuter plural form of the Latin demonstrative pronoun "hic," meaning "this."

• "Quotiescumque" is a compound word consisting of "quoties," which means "as often as," and "cumque," which means "whenever" or "as often as."

• "Feceritis" is the second person plural future perfect indicative form of the verb "facere," which means "to do" or "to make."

• "In" means "in" or "into."

• "Mei" is the genitive singular form of the Latin pronoun "ego," meaning "I" or "me."

• "Memoriam" is the accusative singular form of the noun "memoria," meaning "memory" or "remembrance."

• "Facietis" is the second person plural future indicative form of the verb "facere."

Visual Representation of the consecration of the Bread and Wine in the Traditional Latin Mass

Traditional Latin Mass: Consecration of the Bread, and Wine

HIC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM, HIC EST ENIM Calix Sanguinis mei novi et aeterni Testementi 

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy)

 Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus

Narrare 

There are certain phrases, or words one remembers after attending the Latin Mass, especially, because they are repeated for reasons of reverence. For instance, subsequent to "Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro, Dignum et justum est."  The priest says a following liturgical prayer starting with "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus..." then he proceeds to finish the prayer. 

Even though I did not understand the rest of the prayer, the repetitive phrase "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus..." stayed in my mind. I did not know why, but I enjoyed hearing, and speaking this word, "Sanctus."  Like many other words/phrases in Latin, I could not decipher the meaning, or translation until later on. As time passed, I figured out this word translated to, "Holy."  

This made sense to me, our God is holy, and humanity-including myself-is not. I did not comprehend the rest of the following words to the "Sanctus," prayer. Nonetheless, I know our God is holy, and I will repeat this many times in order to remind myself I must follow a path of holiness on this Earth. It is hard to accomplish this objective, but it is possible through God's grace alone.

 Below is the etymological explanation of this term: 

ETYMOLOGY

• In Latin, "sanctus" is the past participle of the verb "sancire," which means "to make sacred" or "to consecrate."

• In Greek, we have the word "hagios" (ἅγιος), which also means "holy" or "sacred." It is widely used in the New Testament of the Bible.

Visual Representation of the Sanctus In The Traditional Latin Mass

Traditional Latin Mass: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus

 Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus

Dominus Vobiscum, Et Cum Spiritu Tuo...(The Lord be with you, and with thy spirit)

 DOMINUS VOBISCUM, ET CUM SPIRITU TUO...

NARRARE

In the Catholic Mass, we have a precious treasure named "The Eucharist." The term "Eucharist," originates from the Greek word "eukharistia" meaning, "thankful, or gratitude." At every celebration of the Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice, Catholics believe Jesus Christ is present in flesh, and blood after the priest consecrates the bread, and wine. Otherwise known as, "Transubstantiation." This conviction stems from Sacred Scripture when Jesus Christ takes bread, and breaks it with a blessing proclaiming, "Take it; this is my body." Since Christ himself is divinely present in flesh, and blood during Mass, it is a part of our reverence to be thankful/grateful of receiving Him in a state of grace. 

Which means the faithful must pay attention during Mass, especially before consecration is about to take place. There is a set of prayers stated by the priest in which the laity must respond to as well. However, it is difficult to identify this moment when the language being spoke is Latin, rather than your secular vernacular tongue. I remember during the middle of the Tridentine Mass, I did not notice when the priest spoke the prayers, nor did I respond. I would listen to everyone else reply in unison, and it sounded beautiful. It took me a while to understand Latin pronunciation; I recall it sounding like one entire tone of voice rather than a composition of words. 

After a few weeks of attending the Traditional Mass, I came to understand the prayers along with their responses. I only became happier when I was able to follow this part of the Mass. Below are the following liturgical prayers with their English translation, and etymological explanations: 

LATIN 

Priest: Dominus vobiscum. 

Laity: Et cum spiritu tuo.

Priest: Sursum Corda.

Laity: Habemus ad Dominum. 

Priest: Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. 

Laity: Dignum et justum est.

ENGLISH

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Laity: And with thy spirit.

Priest: Lift up you hearts.

Laity: We have them lifted up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

Laity: It is meet and just. 

ETYMOLOGY

• "Dominus" means "Lord" or "master." In Christian usage, "Dominus" specifically refers to God as the Lord.

• "Vobiscum" is a combination of two Latin words, "vobis" meaning "you" (plural, dative case) and "cum" meaning "with." "Vobiscum" literally translates to "with you all" or "with you (plural)."

When combined, "Dominus vobiscum" translates as "The Lord be with you," expressing a wish or prayer for God's presence and blessings upon the congregation or individuals.

• "Et" means "and" in Latin, as in the English language.

• "Cum" means "with" in Latin.

• "Spiritu" is the ablative form of "Spiritus," which means "spirit" or "breath" in Latin. 

•  "Tuo" is the ablative form of "Tuus," which means "your" in Latin.

• "Sursum" is a Latin adverb meaning "upward" or "upwards." It is derived from the Latin word "surgo," which means "to rise" or "to ascend."

• "Corda" is the plural form of the Latin word "cor," which means "heart."

Together "Sursum corda" literally means "Lift up (your) hearts." It is an invitation or exhortation to the congregation to raise their hearts, minds, and spirits in devotion and worship to God.

• "Habemus" is the first person plural present indicative form of the Latin verb "habeo," which means "to have" or "to hold." In this context, it is used to convey possession or holding.

• "Ad" is a Latin preposition meaning "to" or "toward." It indicates direction or movement towards a particular location or entity.

• "Dominum" is the accusative form of the Latin word "Dominus," which means "Lord" or "master." It is used here to refer to God.

• "Gratias agamus"  is a combination of two Latin words: "Gratias" is the accusative plural form of the Latin noun "gratia," which means "thanks" or "grace."

• "Agamus" is the first person plural present subjunctive form of the Latin verb "ago," which means "to do" or "to make." In this context, it is used to convey the action of giving thanks.

• "Domino"  is the dative singular form of the Latin noun "Dominus," which means "Lord" or "master." It is used here in the dative case to indicate the recipient of the action, so it translates to "to the Lord."

• "Deo nostro": This translates to "our God." 

  "Deo" is the dative singular form of the Latin noun "Deus," which means "God."

• "Nostro" is the ablative singular masculine form of the possessive pronoun "noster," meaning "our."

• "Dignum" is a neuter singular form of the Latin adjective "dignus," which means "worthy" or "deserving."

• "Et" is a Latin conjunction meaning "and."

• "Justum" is a neuter singular form of the Latin adjective "justus," which means "righteous" or "just."

Visual Representation of the Preface In The Traditional Latin Mass

Traditional Latin Mass: Preface

 DOMINUS VOBISCUM, ET CUM SPIRITU TUO...