Ethan Walker
The Gloria, also known as the Angelic Hymn, is a Christian hymn that is usually sung at the beginning of Mass in the Catholic Church. It is a prayer that praises God and celebrates his coming as a man 2000 years ago. The Gloria is not always sung, however, and is often omitted during penitential liturgical seasons such as Advent and Lent. There are exceptions to this rule, such as weddings during Advent or Lent, and feasts and solemnities that may occur during these seasons. To clarify whether the Gloria should be sung on a particular day, Catholics can refer to an Ordo, a small book that provides information on the liturgy for the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is it said/sung? | Towards the beginning of Mass |
| Who says/sings it? | The priest or, as needs dictate, by a cantor or a choir, but it is sung by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir, or by the choir alone. If not sung, it is to be recited either by all or by two parts of the congregation responding to each other. |
| When is it omitted? | During Advent and Lent, except for the few feasts and solemnities which may occur then. It is also omitted during weekday Masses and especially during penitential liturgical seasons. |
| When is it included? | On Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, solemnities, and feasts. It is also included in special, more solemn celebrations. |
| What is it called? | The Gloria is also known as the Angelic Hymn, the Hymn of the Angels, or the Doxology. |
| What is the meaning? | The Gloria is a song of praise, celebrating God's coming as man 2000 years ago. |
| What are the key words? | Glory, God, highest, peace |
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What You'll Learn
The Gloria is omitted during Advent and Lent
The Gloria is a Christian hymn, also known as the Angelic Hymn, that is sung towards the beginning of Mass. It is a prayer that directs praise to God and celebrates his coming as a man 2000 years ago. The hymn begins with the words that the angels sang when announcing the birth of Christ to shepherds, as written in Luke 2:13-14:
> "And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
The Gloria is not always sung, and it is omitted during Advent and Lent. These are penitential liturgical seasons, during which the focus is on repentance rather than glorifying the Lord. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if there is a wedding during Advent or Lent, the Gloria is sung. Additionally, if there is a Feast or Solemnity during these seasons, such as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception during Advent, the Gloria is also sung.
The Gloria is also omitted on certain other days throughout the liturgical calendar. For example, it is not sung on Palm Sunday but is sung on Holy Thursday during the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper because it is a Solemnity. The Gloria is also not sung on weekdays, except during Christmastide and Paschaltide, even outside the octaves.
To summarise, the Gloria is a beautiful hymn that is an integral part of Catholic liturgy. While it is typically omitted during Advent and Lent, there are exceptions to this rule, and it is important to check the liturgy for the day to determine if the Gloria will be sung.
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It is sung on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent
The Gloria, also known as the Angelic Hymn, is a Christian hymn that is sung at the beginning of Mass to praise God. It is sung or said on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn character.
The Gloria is not used during the seasons of Lent and Advent, except for a few feasts and solemnities that may occur during these seasons. During these seasons, the focus is on repentance rather than glorifying the Lord. However, if there is a wedding during Advent or Lent, the Gloria is sung.
The Gloria is also sung on Holy Thursday, during the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, as it is considered a Solemnity. It is also sung throughout the week after Christmas and Easter, as these occasions are celebrated for eight days.
The Gloria has ancient roots and was not always part of the Catholic Mass. Historically, it was probably sung as a thanksgiving hymn for feasts and celebrations. Over time, the Gloria became a regular part of Sunday Masses and feast days, and today, it is a beloved hymn that directs our praises to God.
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It is also sung on solemnities and feast days
The Gloria is a Christian hymn, also known as the Angelic Hymn, the Hymn of the Angels, or the Greater Doxology. It is a prayer that is sung towards the beginning of Mass to direct praise to God and celebrate his coming as a man 2,000 years ago. The Gloria is not always sung, however, and is often omitted during weekday Masses, penitential liturgical seasons, and during Lent and Advent.
However, the Gloria is sung on solemnities and feast days. Solemnities are ranked above feasts in the liturgical calendar, and both are days of obligation where Catholics are expected to attend Mass. The Gloria is also sung on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent.
The Gloria is sung during the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening of Maundy Thursday and at the Easter Vigil. It is also sung during the Christmas season, including on Christmas Day and throughout the week after.
The Gloria is also sung on the feast days of martyrs, though historically only when a bishop presided. By the 11th century, the Gloria was being sung at all Sunday Masses and feast days.
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The Gloria is referred to as the Doxology in the Byzantine Rite
The Gloria, also known as the Angelic Hymn, is a Christian hymn that is sung towards the beginning of Mass. It is meant to direct praise to God and celebrate his coming as a man 2000 years ago. The Gloria is sung on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, solemnities, and feasts.
In the Byzantine Rite, which is used by the Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic Churches, the Gloria is referred to as the Doxology. There are two forms: the Greater Doxology and the Lesser Doxology. The Greater Doxology is always sung, while the Lesser Doxology is read. The Greater Doxology is used during the Orthros (Matins) on Sundays and feast days. On the other hand, the Lesser Doxology is used at Matins on simple weekdays and at the Apodeipnon (Compline), but not in the Divine Liturgy.
The Greater Doxology is considered one of the high points of the festal Matins service. During this time, the priest puts on his phelonion (chasuble), and the deacon opens the Holy Doors. The priest then raises his hands and exclaims: "Glory to Thee, Who hast shown us the Light!" The choir then begins chanting the Doxology, and all the oil lamps and candles in the temple are lit. The Lesser Doxology, on the other hand, is simply said by the reader, and the priest does not wear his phelonion. The Holy Doors remain closed, and no lamps or candles are lit.
The Gloria has been sung to a wide variety of melodies, with modern scholars cataloguing over two hundred used in the medieval church. The Roman Missal, for example, indicates several different plainchant melodies.
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It is sung at the beginning of Mass
The Gloria, also known as the Angelic Hymn, is a Christian hymn that is often sung at the beginning of Mass. It is a prayer of praise to God, celebrating his coming as a man 2000 years ago. The hymn is based on the words of the angels in Luke 2, rejoicing in the birth of the saviour and proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests".
In the liturgy of today's Catholic Mass, the Gloria is sung by the congregation together with the priest before the opening collect. It is usually sung on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, solemnities, feasts, and special celebrations of a more solemn character. The Gloria is also sung during festive occasions such as weddings, even during Advent or Lent.
Historically, the Gloria was not always part of the Catholic Mass. It is believed to have originated as a thanksgiving hymn for feasts and celebrations. Over time, the Gloria became a regular part of Sunday Masses and feast days, and by the eleventh century, it was being sung at all Sunday Masses.
The Gloria has ancient roots, with modern scholars identifying over two hundred melodies used in the medieval church. The hymn mentions all three persons of the Trinity, emphasising the majesty and glory of God. The congregation proclaims, "We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory!"
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics say the Gloria towards the beginning of Mass. It is a hymn that praises and glorifies God the Father and the Lamb.
The Gloria is omitted during Advent and Lent, except for the few feasts and solemnities that may occur during those seasons. It is also not said on Palm Sunday.
The Gloria is said on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, solemnities, and feasts. It is also said during Christmas and Easter, which are celebrated for eight days.
