Agnus Dei – Lamb of God

Agnus Dei,
quitollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei,
quitollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei,
quitollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem.

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Where did this prayer come from? Agnus Dei – Lamb of God

Lamb of God, or Agnus Dei in Latin, is a Catholic prayer that has been used in the liturgy for nearly a millennium. It is also a popular devotion among the faithful.

The prayer’s origin dates back to the early years of Christianity. It is believed to have been derived from the Old Testament, specifically the book of Isaiah, where the suffering servant is described as a lamb led to the slaughter.

The text of the prayer has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction into the Roman Catholic Mass in the 7th century as part of the Kyrie Eleison chant.

The prayer is recited three times during Mass, just before Communion. As the prayer is recited, the priest or deacon breaks the consecrated host and places a piece of it into the chalice containing the consecrated wine.

The phrase “Lamb of God” is a symbolic representation of Jesus Christ who is seen as the lamb who was sacrificed to atone for the sins of humanity. The prayer is an expression of humility, recognizing the need for redemption and forgiveness.

The Agnus Dei prayer has been set to music by many composers throughout history, including Mozart and Beethoven. It remains an important part of the Catholic liturgy and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the redemption offered to all who seek his mercy and forgiveness.