Understanding the Meaning and Significance of the Gloria Patri Symbol
- Jess
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
The “Gloria Patri” (Our Father) is the oldest prayer of the Church. Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6.
9 Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our supersubstantial bread.
13 And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
When Saint Jerome translated the Bible into Latin during the late fourth century we received the Gloria Patri as the official prayer of the Church.
The hymn associated with this prayer is called the “Lesser Doxology.” It is usually sung in the simple tone in Compline on Sundays unless we are in the season after Easter.
What features does our Gloria Patri symbol have?
Our Gloria Patri symbol has a circular filigree surrounding the I.H.S. in front of a crucifix and the words “Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto”.
I.H.S. is commonly referred to as a Christogram. It is the first three letters of Jesus Christ’s name in Greek. You may have seen these letters in your home parish, or priests' vestments. The letters I.H.S are meant to remind us to keep Christ as the center of our lives and focus on His Presence in the Mass.
Here is a short video sampling what the Gloria Patri sounds like in simple tone.
Have you heard the Gloria Patri in Gregorian Chant before?
yes, and it is beautiful!
no, but I want to.
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