Dies Irae: The Sequence of the Mass for the Dead

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A sign will appear in the sky before the glorious return of Christ the King. Angelic trumpets will sound, and the dead will arise. Souls who humbly wait in expectation will rejoice and enter into heavenly rest. Those who reject God will cry in terror, as they enter the eternal flames.

Dies Irae (“Day of Wrath”), called “a musical gem even without the music” and “the giant among hymns,” is the Sequence for the Church’s Requiem Mass. Composed by Thomas of Celano in 13th-century Latin, this famous chant has been translated hundreds of times into many languages, and is regarded even by secular experts as one of the greatest masterpieces of Western poetry.

In this newly typeset and beautifully bound hardback edition of his 1927 classic, Msgr. Nicholaus Gihr expounds on the Dies Irae for devotional reading and meditation. An acclaimed dogmatic theologian of the last century, Msgr. Gihr remains an eminent guide for mining the spiritual riches of this glorious hymn, and a gifted teacher in the spiritual exercise of memento mori.

Readers will find Msgr. Gihr’s insights both convicting and inspiring as he draws from the Bible, the traditional Roman liturgy, and the writings of several saints in order to expound upon the soul’s final journey.

As “the Day” draws near, we are encouraged to:

  • keep watch, as in Advent and Lent, and cast off sloth
  • fulfill even the smallest duties with intentionality
  • guard against idle conversations and indifference
  • reflect upon the things of Heaven
  • remember that thoughts, actions, and omissions will be revealed
  • repent, serve the weak, and show and receive God’s mercy
  • abandon lukewarmness, intercede, fast, and do penance
  • ask the intercession of Our Lady, the angels, and the saints now … to enjoy their friendship later!

Dies Irae reminds us that the future of the just is hopeful; and although the day of reckoning must inspire a just and reverential fear, a virtuous life can enable us to await the coming of our Good Shepherd with joy and hope.

Availability: In stock (can be backordered) SKU: 5723

Dies Irae: The Sequence of the Mass for the Dead
$15.95