👑 Sanctus – Holy, Holy, Holy
The Sanctus is one of the most sacred and beautiful prayers of the Mass. This acclamation, meaning "Holy, Holy, Holy," is sung during the Eucharistic Prayer, just before the consecration. It combines the angelic praise from Isaiah's vision with the crowd's welcome of Jesus at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, creating a powerful moment of worship.
The Sanctus Prayer
Latin
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
English
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
When the Sanctus is Sung
- • During Mass - In the Eucharistic Prayer, just before the consecration
- • Every Mass - The Sanctus is sung at every Mass, regardless of the day
- • Liturgy of the Hours - In the Divine Office and other liturgical celebrations
- • Adoration - During Eucharistic Adoration services
- • Personal Prayer - As a prayer of praise and adoration
- • Before Communion - To prepare our hearts for receiving Christ
Biblical Foundation
The Sanctus is directly taken from Scripture:
- • Isaiah 6:3 - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory"
- • Matthew 21:9 - "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
- • Mark 11:9-10 - "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
- • Psalm 118:26 - "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
- • Revelation 4:8 - "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty"
The Sanctus combines the angelic praise from Isaiah's vision with the crowd's welcome of Jesus at His triumphal entry, creating a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.
Meaning and Significance
Trinity
The threefold "Holy" is often interpreted as a reference to the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Divine Majesty
"Lord God of hosts" acknowledges God's power and authority over all creation.
Universal Praise
"Heaven and earth are full of your glory" recognizes that all creation praises God.
Messianic Welcome
"Blessed is he who comes" welcomes Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
Historical Background
The Sanctus has a rich liturgical history:
- • Early Church - The Sanctus was used in the early Church as part of the Eucharistic Prayer
- • Jewish Roots - The prayer has roots in Jewish liturgical tradition
- • Liturgical Development - It became a standard part of all Eucharistic Prayers
- • Musical Tradition - The Sanctus has inspired countless musical settings
- • Ecumenical Prayer - It is used by many Christian denominations
The Sanctus is one of the most ancient prayers in the Christian liturgy, connecting us with the worship of the early Church and the heavenly liturgy described in Revelation.
Spiritual Benefits
Adoration
The Sanctus helps us adore God with the same words used by the angels in heaven.
Preparation
It prepares our hearts for the consecration and the coming of Christ in the Eucharist.
Unity
We join our voices with the angels and saints in praising God.
Reverence
The Sanctus helps us approach the Eucharist with proper reverence and awe.
How to Pray the Sanctus
- • With reverence - Approach this prayer with deep reverence for God's holiness
- • With joy - Sing or pray with joy, as the angels do in heaven
- • With understanding - Reflect on the meaning of each phrase
- • With unity - Join your voice with the entire Church and the angels
- • With preparation - Use this prayer to prepare for receiving Christ
- • With awe - Be filled with awe at God's majesty and glory