This is the Introit or Entrance Antiphon for a Mass of the Dead.

“What’s an Introit doing in a book of hymns?” I hear you ask. Well, this book is really more of an eclectic collection of all my favourite music from the turn of the millennium from the Maternal Heart of Mary Church. The Requiem Introit was one of those pieces that became a singalong piece for me.

Learning Vocabulary

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine

Rest eternal grant them {O Lord}

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord

et lux perpetua luceat eis

et lux perpetua luceat eis

and light perpetual {will shine} {on them}

and may perpetual light shine upon them

Te decet hymnus Deus in Sion

Te decet hymnus Deus in Sion

{to thee} {is proper} {a hymn} {O God} in Sion

A hymn becometh Thee, O God, in Sion

et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem

et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem

and {to thee} {shall be paid} {a vow} in Jerusalem

and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem

exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet

exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet

{graciously hear} prayer my to thee all flesh {shall come}

graciously hear my prayer, all flesh shall come to thee