Cor Jesu sacratissimum, miserere nobis

COR JESU SACRATISSIMUM, MISERERE NOBIS

NARRARE

The last words one hears before Mass ends is, "Cor Jesu sacritissimum, miserere nobis." I could not translate this short phrase, but I was determined to understand its translation, and why this invocation was declared after Mass. Later on, I came to comprehend this brief prayer had a profound meaning. 

"Cor Jesu Sacratissimum" is Latin for "Sacred Heart of Jesus." This phrase is significant in Catholicism due to its association with the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This emerged in the 17th century during the Middle Ages due to a Catholic nun known as, "St. Maragaret Mary Alocoque." This French sister reported she had vivid visions of Jesus Christ declaring His Sacred Heart is a symbol of His love, and mercy for humanity. This proclamation, and supernatural visions became known to the Church, and pervaded Catholic parishes.

ETYMOLOGY

• "Cor," is the Latin word for "heart."

• "Jesu," is the genitive form of the Latin name "Jesus," which comes from the Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsoûs). It's a transliteration of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" or "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." "Jesu" in this context indicates possession or association with Jesus.

• "Sacratissimum," is the superlative form of the Latin word "sacrum," which means "sacred" or "holy." The suffix "-issimum" is added to create the superlative form, indicating the utmost degree of sacredness or holiness.

• "Miserere," is the imperative form of the Latin verb "misereri," which means "to have pity" or "to show mercy." It comes from the root "miser," meaning "wretched" or "pitiable."

• "Nobis," is the Latin word for "us," which is the dative plural form of the pronoun "nos" (meaning "we" or "us"). In the phrase "miserere nobis," "nobis" indicates the recipients of the mercy being requested.

COR JESU SACRATISSIMUM, MISERERE NOBIS