Sanctus

Sanctus is the Latin word for holy, and is the name of an important hymn of Christian liturgy.

Related Topics:
Latin - Hymn - Liturgy

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In Western Christianity, following the model of the Roman Catholic Church, the Sanctus is sung (or said) at the heart of the eucharistic prayer, the prayer of consecration of the bread and wine. In this setting, the Sanctus immeadiately follows the preface of the eucharistic prayer. The preface, which alters according to the season, usually concludes with words describing the praise of the worshippers joining with the praise of the angels. The Latin text reads:

Related Topics:
Western Christianity - Roman Catholic Church - Eucharistic prayer - Latin

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:Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,

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::"Holy, holy, holy,"

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:Dominus Deus Sabaoth;

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::"Lord God of Hosts;"

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:pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.

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::"Heaven and earth are full of your glory."

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:Osanna in excelsis.

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::"Hosanna in the highest".

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The text is taken from Isaiah 6.3, which describes the prophet Isaiah's vision of the throne of God surrounded by six-winged, ministering seraphim. This text also influenced Revelation 4.8.

Related Topics:
Isaiah - Isaiah - Seraphim - Revelation

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Although, traditionally, the Sanctus is set to plainchant, many composers have set it to music, and it is a mandatory part of any mass setting. In the eucharistic prayer, the Sanctus is usually followed immediatetly by the Benedictus.

Related Topics:
Plainchant - Mass setting - Eucharistic prayer

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The following Benedictus (from the Latin for blessed) is also usually sung. Its text is taken from Matthew 21.9

Related Topics:
Latin - Matthew

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:Benedictus, qui venit in nomine Domini.

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::"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

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:Osanna in excelsis.

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::"Hosanna in the highest".

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