Five Latin phrases every Catholic should know!
Latin is the official language of the Holy See, and the language still plays a vital part in the Catholic Church. Today more and more young people are interested in the Traditional Latin Mass, they like order and the history of unity it represents.
Phrases are easily memorized and can be seen as a great gateway to any language, so let’s get started.
Stat crux dum volvitur orbis
The motto of the Carthusian order
Translating it into English we get
The Cross is steady while the world turns
It can serve as a reminder that no matter what happens in the world, God is always with us and so is his Church. So when it gets tough do not drown yourself in pessimism, but look beyond temporary obstacles and troubles.
Ora et labora
Surely everyone’s heard of this one… it is one of the mottoes of the Benedictine Order and of the Trappists.
Pray and work
It is quite self explaining but it also tells us to focus on those things we can influence and not to worry too much about things that are out of our control.
Sic transit gloria mundi
Thus passes the glory of the world
This one is a reminder of mortality and the importance of storing up treasure in Heaven rather than earth. It said to newly elected Popes just before their first Papal Mass in order to keep them focused on what is important.
Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus
Outside the Church there is no salvation
It is often used to show that the Church is necessary for salvation, because only then and if you abide by the rules can you be sure of salvation. All else is full of uncertainty and a gamble.
Matthew 16:18
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
That is why men can only be certain of a few things.
Dominus vobiscum
The Lord be with you
It is a form of salutation and blessing traditionally used by the clergy in the Catholic Mass, I think it highly appropriate to end the article with it.
