The Gloria: bursting into praise for God's mercy

The sun rises over the Sea of Galilee. The Gloria was 
first used in the Liturgy of the Hours during the 
morning prayer as a hymn of praise. CNS photo

A look at changes in the Gloria in the new missal

THE GLORIA was first used in the Liturgy of the Hours during the morning prayer as a hymn of praise for the glory and peace given through Christ’s resurrection (symbolised by the rising sun in the morning).

It began to be used at Mass in the early sixth century and has always marked more festive occasions in the Church.

The Gloria fittingly follows the penitential rite, allowing God’s people to burst into praise for the mercy received in response to our admission of sinfulness. It is a poetic text of numerous scriptural quotes.

The opening lines come from Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.”

In the new translation, the Gloria slightly alters this biblical phrase to say “peace to people of good will”.

Launching the Missal: Chant-anxiety

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
Posted: 8/12/2011

Implementing the new English translation of the Roman Missal is beginning to cause -- and will continue to cause -- a bit of a stir. That's understandable. After all, reasonable people would expect that not every change will be received enthusiastically. And, that when it comes to the prayers we pray, change itself is likely to be a hard sell. For most of us, praying from the heart also means praying by heart. The prospect of being missal-bound, even for a brief period, is probably not something your average Catholic is looking forward to.

Read more here...

I know that everyone can chant because I have heard our own two-year-olds do it. I also know that only a very strange mother would teach her kids Gregorian chant. Maybe so; but chant has been part of our admittedly too-brief family prayers for years. Our kids learned how to chant because they heard it. I used to sing the Gregorian "Ave Maria" to them as a lullaby. (It makes a very good one, by the way.) Over the years, we've expanded our repertoire. Lately, we've been practicing the chants of the new Roman Missal together at home.

As I read this part, I remembered of when my little cousin chanted. And it is true, that it’s not too hard and easily followed even by the little ones.

Ah… when I have a family next time I would like to chant them to sleep too and teach them chants as they grow up. That would be so beautiful – a gift of God for the Catholic family.