Michael Brooks
Catholics say Amen, derived from the Hebrew word for 'truly', at the end of prayers, after making the sign of the cross, and when receiving communion. The Great Amen is said or sung by the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, which is the pinnacle of the Mass. The priest elevates the host and the chalice and says or sings, Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever, to which the congregation responds with the Great Amen. This is the most important Amen in the Mass, signifying a resolution and a prayer, and a profession of faith that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is the Great Amen said? | At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, which is the pinnacle of the Mass. |
| Who says it? | The congregation, in response to the priest. |
| What does it mean? | "Amen" is a Hebrew word that means "truly", "it is so", "let it be done", "so be it", "I believe", "yes", "a firm and definite yes", "truly", or "so bet it". |
| What does it signify? | It is an affirmation of faith, a ratification of what the priest says about the Host, and a way to avoid doubt about Christ's presence in the Eucharist. |
| What is its origin? | The word was used by ancient Jews when swearing an oath and was later adopted by Christians. |
| Is there a specific tune? | Yes, it is usually sung to the tune written by Louis Bourgeois. However, in the African-American tradition, it is often sung to a different tune. |
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What You'll Learn
The Great Amen is said at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer
The Great Amen is a significant aspect of Catholic liturgy, and it holds a special place in the Eucharistic Prayer. This prayer is considered the pinnacle of the Mass, and the Great Amen is the congregation's response, signifying their participation and agreement with the prayer.
The Great Amen is said by the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, also known as the "Great Prayer of Consecration." During this prayer, the priest elevates the host and the chalice and recites or sings a solemn doxology: "Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are Yours, forever and ever." The congregation then responds with a resounding "Amen!"
The word "Amen" is derived from the Hebrew verb "aman," meaning "to strengthen" or "confirm." In the Catholic liturgy, it carries a range of nuanced meanings. When receiving the Body of Christ during Holy Communion, saying "Amen" signifies agreement with the priest's declaration, affirming belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is a way of saying, "I believe" or "So be it."
The Great Amen, in particular, takes on added significance. It is more than just an affirmation; it is a resolution and a prayer. It represents the congregation's assent to all that has transpired during the Eucharistic Prayer. As Charles Belmonte writes, "This is the most important Amen in the Mass. It is for us both a resolution and a prayer. A resolution upon which our love for God blooms; a prayer based on the future hope of resurrection."
The Great Amen is a powerful expression of faith and praise, and it is meant to be proclaimed with joy and fervor. It is a moment when the congregation unites in a collective affirmation of their belief, echoing the ancient tradition of saying "Amen" to affirm oaths and declarations.
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It is the only part of the prayer where everyone responds
The Great Amen is a significant part of the Catholic Mass, and it is the only portion of the prayer where everyone responds together. This response signifies the congregation's active participation and agreement with the prayer. The Great Amen is usually sung by the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, which is considered the pinnacle of the Mass. During this prayer, the priest elevates the host and the chalice and says or sings, "Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever." The congregation then responds with a resounding "Amen."
The term "Great Amen" is not commonly used today and is absent from the Roman Missal. However, it holds a special significance as a powerful expression of faith and praise. It is more than just an affirmation; it is a way for the congregation to proclaim their belief and agreement with the prayer. The Great Amen is a joyful and faithful expression that adds depth and meaning to the prayer.
The word "Amen" itself has a rich history and meaning. Derived from the Hebrew "āmēn," it translates to "certainty," "truth," and "verily." In the context of prayer, it signifies agreement, affirmation, and concurrence. It is used to express solemn ratification or agreement and can be used in both formal and personal prayers. Outside of religious settings, "Amen" can also be used as a lighthearted affirmation, adding emphasis or agreement to a statement.
For Catholics, the Great Amen is a sacred moment that encapsulates the essence of their faith. It is a collective expression of their unity and belief, making it a powerful and memorable part of the Mass. The Great Amen is a testament to the enduring significance of certain words and rituals in religious traditions.
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The Great Amen is a profession of faith
The Great Amen is a significant aspect of Catholic worship, and it holds a special place in the Mass. During the Mass, the congregation actively participates in the Eucharistic Prayer, which is considered the pinnacle of the Mass. At the end of this prayer, the priest elevates the host and the chalice and says or sings a prayer, to which the congregation responds with the Great Amen.
The Great Amen is a powerful expression of faith and praise. It is a response of affirmation, signifying "Yes," "I believe," or "So be it." This Amen is not just any affirmation of faith; it is a proclamation that the Eucharist is indeed the Body of Christ, His Blood, soul, and divinity. It is a declaration that what is received is not a mere symbol but Jesus Himself.
The word "Amen" is derived from ancient Jewish usage, where it was employed to swear an oath, and it carries a weighty significance. For Catholics, the Great Amen embodies the nuanced meanings of the word. It is a solemn and profound expression, not to be used lightly.
The Great Amen is often sung by the congregation to a tune composed by Louis Bourgeois. In the African-American tradition, a different melody is typically used. The Great Amen is an integral part of the Eucharistic Prayer, and it serves as a joyful and faithful conclusion to this prayer, marking a significant moment within the Mass.
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It is sung to the tune written by Louis Bourgeois
The Great Amen is a significant aspect of the Catholic Mass, occurring at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is a powerful expression of faith and praise, where the congregation responds with a resounding "Amen" to affirm their belief in the Eucharist as the Body of Christ. The term 'Great Amen' is not commonly used anymore and is absent from the Roman Missal. However, its significance remains, marking a special occasion for praise within the Mass.
The Great Amen is often sung, and in all these cases, it is set to the tune crafted by Louis Bourgeois, a French composer who lived from approximately 1510 to 1560. Bourgeois was a musical collaborator with John Calvin in the creation of the Genevan Psalter, a Protestant endeavour in the Swiss city of Geneva during the Reformation. The tune in question is known as "Old Hundredth" or "Old 100th," and it is one of the most recognisable melodies in various occidental Christian musical traditions.
The "Old Hundredth" tune is usually associated with Psalm 134 in the Genevan Psalter. However, its current name stems from its connection with the 100th Psalm, translated by William Kethe as "All People that on Earth do Dwell." The melody is versatile, accompanying various other lyrics, including the Common Doxology ("Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow") and German Lutheran chorales.
The tune's adaptability extends to Johann Sebastian Bach's use of it as a cantus firmus in his chorale cantata "Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir" (BWV 130). Additionally, it has been incorporated into works by composers such as Virgil Thomson, Paul Hindemith, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The "Old Hundredth" tune has also found a place in the Sacred Harp and other shape-note singing traditions, further showcasing its enduring popularity and adaptability.
In the African-American tradition, the Great Amen is also well-known but is typically sung to a different tune. This adaptability underscores the enduring nature of the Great Amen and its ability to resonate with diverse cultural and musical traditions.
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The Great Amen is no longer in common use
The Great Amen is a term that is no longer in common use. It is also not in the Roman Missal. The Amen at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer and the culmination of the doxology is a special occasion for praise within the Mass. The Amen in this case is not just an affirmation of faith but also a way to praise God.
The Great Amen is said by the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, which is the pinnacle of the Mass. The priest elevates the host and the chalice and says or sings, "Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever." The congregation responds with the Great Amen.
The Great Amen is an important part of the Mass for many. It is a powerful word that is backed by deep faith. It is a proclamation of faith and praise. The Great Amen is also said to be a profession of faith that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ.
However, some sources suggest ditching the Great Amen. They argue that the Amen need not be "great" but rather just two notes. This is because the attempt to increase the participation of the faithful meant that the 'amen' became less powerful than the people's response.
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Frequently asked questions
The Great Amen is the response of the congregation at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is the only part of the prayer where everybody except the priest is called to respond.
The word "Amen" is a Hebrew word that means “truly”, "it is so", "let it be done", "so be it", or "I believe". It signifies agreement with what has been said.
The word is derived from the Hebrew verb "aman", which means "to strengthen" or "confirm". It is one of only two Hebrew words used in the Mass, the other being "Alleluia".
Catholics say "Amen" a lot. They say it at the end of prayers, often after making the sign of the cross, and when receiving communion.
The Great Amen is the most important "Amen" in the Mass. It is a resolution and a prayer, upon which the love for God blooms. It is a proclamation of faith and praise.
