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