Deo gratias

"Deo Gratias" redirects here. For the computer game, see List of video games by Cryo Interactive.
For other uses, see Thank God.

Deo gratias is Latin for "thanks be to God". It is a response in the Latin Mass, derived from the Vulgate text of 1 Corinthians 15:57 and 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Description

It occurs in the Mass

The formula Deo Gratias was used in extra-liturgical prayers and customs by the Christians of all ages. The rule of St. Benedict prescribes that the doorkeeper shall say Deo Gratias, as often as a stranger knocks at the door or a beggar asks for assistance. When St. Augustine announced to the people the election of his coadjutor and successor Evodius, they called out Deo Gratias thirty-six times.[2] In Africa it was the salutation used by the Catholics to distinguish themselves from the Donatists who said Deo laudes instead.[3] Therefore in Africa, Deo Gratias was used as a Catholic given name, e.g. St. Deogratias, Bishop of Carthage (r. 453456). The name of the deacon for whom St. Augustine wrote his treatise De catechizandis rudibus was also called Deogratias. Felix of Cantalice (15151587) used this interjection so often that the people called him "Brother Deogratias".

See also

References

  1. Rubricae missalis Romani commentariis illustratae (1674), 2, 12, ad 4
  2. St. Augustine, Ep. ccxiii al. cx, De Actis Eraclii
  3. St. Augustine, In Ps. cxxxi
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