The Words We Speak: Alleluia

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Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius

The word Alleluia holds deep significance in the Catholic Church.

Origins and Meaning

The word Alleluia originates from the Hebrew phrase "Hallelu Yah", meaning "Praise the Lord". It was used in the Jewish liturgy and passed into the early Christian Church, where it took on a deeper spiritual meaning. The word is a "kind of acclamation and a form of ovation" expressing joy, thanksgiving, and triumph in the Lord.


Liturgical Use

The Alleluia has a prominent place in Catholic liturgy, particularly during the Easter season and in hymns of praise. It is a exclamation of joy and a climactic moment in the liturgy, such as before the Gospel reading. The repetition of "Alleluia" is seen as a continuous "breath of the soul" in praise of God.

Spiritual Significance

For Catholics, the Alleluia represents a profound expression of devotion and spiritual exaltation. St. Augustine described it as a "consolation" for the pilgrim on earth, a foretaste of the eternal "Alleluia" sung in the heavenly homeland. The word embodies the joy, triumph, and thanksgiving that should characterize the Christian's relationship with God.

In summary, the Alleluia:
  • is a cherished liturgical and spiritual expression in the Catholic Church;
  • is rooted in the ancient Jewish tradition;
  • carries deep meaning as a joyful acclamation of praise to the Lord.
References
  1. Catholic Encyclopedia Alleluia
  2. Catholic Encyclopedia Gradual
  3. General Audience of 9 January 2002 1
  4. General Audience of 15 September 2004 4
Burying the Alleluia

The Catholic Church has a tradition of "burying the Alleluia" during the liturgical season of Lent.

Suppression of the Alleluia during Lent

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Alleluia is suppressed or omitted during the penitential season of Lent, because a "cry of joy" is incongruous with the somber themes of Lent. This was done in preparation for the joyful return of the Alleluia at Easter.

Farewell to the Alleluia

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that the "farewell to the Alleluia" was once a solemn occasion, with special antiphons and hymns sung in some churches to mark the end of the Alleluia until Easter. This included the singing of the hymn Alleluia, dulce carmen in French churches.

Alleluia, dulce carmen,
Vox perennis gaudii,
Alleluia vox suavis,
Est choris cælestibus,
Quem canunt, Dei manentes
In domo per sæcula.


Symbolic Burial

The practice of "burying the Alleluia" is a symbolic gesture where the word is ceremonially "buried" or set aside during Lent, only to be "resurrected" and joyfully proclaimed again at the Easter Vigil and throughout the Easter season. This reflects the penitential nature of Lent and the anticipation of the Easter celebration.
In summary, the "burying of the Alleluia":
  • is a longstanding Catholic tradition that reflects the liturgical and spiritual significance of this word of praise;
  • is a symbolic way of setting aside the joyful acclamation of "Alleluia" during the Lenten season, in order to heighten the sense of anticipation and celebration when it is restored at Easter.
References
  1. Catholic Encyclopedia Christian Burial
  2. Catholic Encyclopedia Gradual
  3. Catholic Encyclopedia Septuagesima
  4. Catholic Encyclopedia Paschal Tide
  5. Catholic Encyclopedia Office of the Dead
  6. Catholic Encyclopedia Alleluia
Further Reading

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