✨ Gloria in Excelsis – Glory to God in the Highest
The Gloria in Excelsis, also known as the "Greater Doxology," is one of the most beautiful and ancient hymns of the Christian Church. This magnificent prayer of praise is sung during Mass on Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent) and on feast days. It begins with the words of the angels at the birth of Christ and continues with a profound hymn of praise to the Trinity.
The Gloria in Excelsis Prayer
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.
English
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
When the Gloria is Sung
- • Sundays - Outside of Advent and Lent (seasons of penance)
- • Feast Days - On solemnities and feasts of the Lord
- • Easter Season - Throughout the Easter season
- • Christmas Season - During the Christmas season
- • Weddings - During wedding Masses
- • Ordinations - During ordination Masses
- • Dedications - During church dedication Masses
Structure and Meaning
Opening (Luke 2:14)
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will" - These are the words of the angels announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
Praise to the Father
"We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you" - This section gives glory to God the Father, acknowledging His greatness and majesty.
Praise to Christ
"Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son" - This section focuses on Christ, recognizing Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Trinitarian Conclusion
"For you alone are the Holy One" - The prayer concludes with a doxology to the Trinity, giving glory to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Historical Background
The Gloria in Excelsis has a rich history in the Christian tradition:
- • Biblical Origin - The opening words come directly from Luke 2:14, the angelic announcement at Bethlehem
- • Early Church - The Gloria was used in the early Church as a morning hymn
- • Eastern Tradition - It was first used in the Eastern Church and later adopted by the West
- • Liturgical Development - It became a standard part of the Mass, originally sung only by bishops
- • Musical Tradition - The Gloria has inspired countless musical settings throughout history
The Gloria is one of the most musically rich parts of the Mass, with composers from Palestrina to Mozart creating beautiful settings of this ancient hymn.
Biblical Foundation
The Gloria in Excelsis is deeply rooted in Scripture:
- • Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"
- • Psalm 148:1 - "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights!"
- • Revelation 4:8 - "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty"
- • John 1:29 - "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
- • Philippians 2:9-11 - "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name"
The Gloria combines the angelic praise from the Nativity with the Church's ongoing hymn of praise to the Trinity, creating a bridge between heaven and earth.
Spiritual Benefits
Praise and Worship
The Gloria helps us give proper praise and worship to God, acknowledging His greatness and majesty.
Trinitarian Faith
It strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Joy and Celebration
The Gloria fills us with joy and reminds us of the celebration of Christ's birth and resurrection.
Unity with Angels
We join our voices with the angels in praising God, creating a connection between heaven and earth.
How to Pray the Gloria
- • With joy - Sing or pray the Gloria with joy and enthusiasm
- • With reverence - Approach this prayer with reverence for God's majesty
- • With understanding - Reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you pray
- • With gratitude - Give thanks for God's great glory and mercy
- • With unity - Join your voice with the entire Church in praising God
- • With devotion - Make this prayer a true expression of your love for God