✝️ Memorial Acclamation – Christ Has Died, Christ Is Risen
The Memorial Acclamation is a powerful proclamation of faith that is recited during the Eucharistic Prayer, just after the consecration. This acclamation affirms the central mystery of our faith: the death, resurrection, and second coming of Christ. It is a moment when the entire congregation joins together to proclaim their belief in the Paschal Mystery.
The Memorial Acclamation
Option A
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection
until you come again.
Option B
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,
we proclaim your Death, O Lord,
until you come again.
Option C
Save us, Savior of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection
you have set us free.
Option D
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
When the Memorial Acclamation is Proclaimed
- • During Mass - In the Eucharistic Prayer, after the consecration
- • Every Mass - The Memorial Acclamation is proclaimed at every Mass
- • After Consecration - It follows the words of institution and consecration
- • Before Doxology - It comes before the final doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer
- • Congregational Response - The entire assembly joins in this proclamation
- • Priest's Invitation - The priest invites the people to proclaim the mystery of faith
Meaning and Significance
Paschal Mystery
The acclamation proclaims the central mystery of our faith: Christ's death, resurrection, and second coming.
Active Participation
It allows the congregation to actively participate in the Eucharistic Prayer and proclaim their faith.
Memorial
It recalls and makes present the saving events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Eschatological Hope
It expresses our hope in Christ's second coming and the fulfillment of God's kingdom.
Biblical Foundation
The Memorial Acclamation is deeply rooted in Scripture:
- • 1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
- • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - "Christ died for our sins... he was raised on the third day"
- • Acts 1:11 - "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way"
- • John 6:54 - "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day"
- • Revelation 22:20 - "Surely I am coming soon"
The Memorial Acclamation brings together the key elements of the Gospel: Christ's saving death, His glorious resurrection, and His promised return.
Historical Background
The Memorial Acclamation has evolved in the liturgical tradition:
- • Early Church - The early Church had various acclamations during the Eucharistic Prayer
- • Liturgical Reform - The current options were developed after the Second Vatican Council
- • Active Participation - It was designed to increase the congregation's participation in the Mass
- • Biblical Foundation - Each option is based on biblical texts and traditional formulas
- • Pastoral Purpose - It helps the faithful understand and proclaim the mystery of the Eucharist
The Memorial Acclamation is a relatively recent addition to the Mass, but it draws on ancient Christian traditions of proclaiming the mystery of faith.
Spiritual Benefits
Faith Proclamation
The acclamation helps us publicly proclaim our faith in the central mysteries of Christianity.
Active Participation
It engages us actively in the Mass, making us participants rather than spectators.
Memory and Hope
It connects us with Christ's saving work and gives us hope for His return.
Unity
It unites the entire congregation in proclaiming the same faith and hope.
How to Proclaim the Memorial Acclamation
- • With conviction - Proclaim the acclamation with firm belief and conviction
- • With understanding - Reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you say it
- • With unity - Join your voice with the entire congregation
- • With reverence - Approach this moment with reverence for the mystery being proclaimed
- • With hope - Express your hope in Christ's promises
- • With gratitude - Give thanks for Christ's saving work