English translation of
Te Deum
We praise Thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee and the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels:
to Thee the heavens and all the Powers therein.
To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim cry with unceasing voice:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full of the majesty of Thy glory.
Thee the glorious choir of the Apostles.
Thee the admirable company of the Prophets.
Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs praise.
Thee the Holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge.
The Father of infinite Majesty.
Thine adorable, true and only Son
Also the Holy Ghost the Paraclete.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
Thou having taken upon Thee to deliver man
didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
Thou having overcome the sting of death
didst open to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God
in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants:
whom Thou has redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting.
Lord, save Thy people:
and bless Thine inheritance.
Govern them and lift them up forever.
Day by day we bless Thee.
And we praise Thy name forever:
and world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord: have mercy on us.
Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us:
as we have hoped in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I hoped:
let me never be confounded.
Click here for the Latin Lyrics.
This is the Catholic Church's most famous hymn of thanksgiving. It is similar in meaning to the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, only it is much more elaborate and solemn. That is, it is more explicit, going into more detail.
It is very powerful and moving, especially when the organist knows which chords and instruments to utilize.
It is attributed to Nicetas, bishop of Remesiana in Dacia (modern-day Romania), who lived in the late 4th century. It is amazing how far back the Catholic faith goes! It is not just a dry statement found in Catholic apologetics manuals -- it is the absolute truth. The Catholic Church has indeed been around for almost 2000 years. That is one of the most awe-inspiring facts to meditate on!
Think about what the Church has managed to do. We are talking about an institution which has survived all the vicissitudes of history, all the crises, persecutions, wars, barbarian invasions, monarchs, dictators, countless "all too human" bishops and popes, etc. And nevertheless, she still survives to the present day -- and in the same form! This is a miracle of God's protection.
To think that citizens of the Roman Empire heard some of the same chant that you can download or buy from this website! Imagine how many famous men and women throughout history would recognize much of the Gregorian Chant sung today at a (traditional) Catholic church!
This is found on the following CD(s) in Latin:
Chant Compendium 2.
Return to Gregorian Chant Lyrics page
