Benedictus (Canticle of Zechariah)

Also known as: Canticle of Zechariah Song of Zechariah Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel

English Text

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Translation tradition: Liturgy of the Hours (ICEL 1974)

Latin Text

Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebi suae, et erexit cornu salutis nobis in domo David pueri sui, sicut locutus est per os sanctorum qui a saeculo sunt prophetarum eius: salutem ex inimicis nostris et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos; ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris et memorari testamenti sui sancti, iusiurandum quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, daturum se nobis, ut sine timore de manu inimicorum liberati serviamus illi in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris. Et tu, puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius, ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissione peccatorum eorum, per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri, in quibus visitabit nos oriens ex alto, illumiare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent, ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.

Scripture: Luke 1:68–79

When to pray: Morning Prayer (Lauds) of the Liturgy of the Hours, every day; feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24).

History & Background