← Latinum Institute Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course
120.1 Ita thus dīxit he said Dominus the Lord
120.2 Apostolī the apostles ita so fēcērunt did ut as iusserat he had commanded
120.3 Nōn not ita thus scrīptum written est it is
120.4 Ita so vērē truly Deus God mundum the world dīlēxit loved
120.5 Discipulī the disciples respondērunt answered ita thus
120.6 Ita so factum done est it was sīcut as prophetae the prophets praedīxerant had foretold
120.7 Sī if ita thus vīvimus we live salvī saved erimus we shall be
120.8 Ita thus ōrat prays Ecclēsia the Church prō for mundō the world
120.9 Christus Christ nōn not ita so docuit taught nōs us
120.10 Ita so parvī the little ones veniunt come ad to rēgnum the kingdom
120.11 Sacerdōtēs the priests ita thus benedīcunt bless populum the people
120.12 Et and ita thus implētur is fulfilled scrīptūra the scripture
120.13 Ita so māgna great est is misericordia the mercy Deī of God
120.14 Monachī the monks vīvunt live ita thus secundum according to rēgulam the rule
120.15 Ita thus narrāvit narrated angelus the angel Mariae to Mary
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
120.1 Ita dīxit Dominus. Thus said the Lord.
120.2 Apostolī ita fēcērunt ut iusserat. The apostles did as he had commanded.
120.3 Nōn ita scrīptum est. It is not written thus.
120.4 Ita vērē Deus mundum dīlēxit. God so truly loved the world.
120.5 Discipulī respondērunt ita. The disciples answered thus.
120.6 Ita factum est sīcut prophetae praedīxerant. So it came to pass as the prophets had foretold.
120.7 Sī ita vīvimus, salvī erimus. If we live thus, we shall be saved.
120.8 Ita ōrat Ecclēsia prō mundō. Thus the Church prays for the world.
120.9 Christus nōn ita docuit nōs. Christ did not teach us so.
120.10 Ita parvī veniunt ad rēgnum. So the little ones come to the kingdom.
120.11 Sacerdōtēs ita benedīcunt populum. The priests thus bless the people.
120.12 Et ita implētur scrīptūra. And thus the scripture is fulfilled.
120.13 Ita māgna est misericordia Deī. So great is the mercy of God.
120.14 Monachī vīvunt ita secundum rēgulam. The monks live thus according to the rule.
120.15 Ita narrāvit angelus Mariae. Thus the angel told Mary.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
120.1 Ita dīxit Dominus.
120.2 Apostolī ita fēcērunt ut iusserat.
120.3 Nōn ita scrīptum est.
120.4 Ita vērē Deus mundum dīlēxit.
120.5 Discipulī respondērunt ita.
120.6 Ita factum est sīcut prophetae praedīxerant.
120.7 Sī ita vīvimus, salvī erimus.
120.8 Ita ōrat Ecclēsia prō mundō.
120.9 Christus nōn ita docuit nōs.
120.10 Ita parvī veniunt ad rēgnum.
120.11 Sacerdōtēs ita benedīcunt populum.
120.12 Et ita implētur scrīptūra.
120.13 Ita māgna est misericordia Deī.
120.14 Monachī vīvunt ita secundum rēgulam.
120.15 Ita narrāvit angelus Mariae.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
For English speakers learning Latin, "ita" is an essential adverb meaning "thus," "so," or "in this way." Here are its key grammatical features: -
Basic Function: "Ita" is an adverb of manner, indicating how something is done or the way in which something happens. -
Position in Sentence: Unlike English where "thus" or "so" often begins a sentence, Latin "ita" can appear in various positions: -
Initial position for emphasis: "Ita dīxit Dominus" -
Before the verb: "Apostolī ita fēcērunt" -
After the verb: "Discipulī respondērunt ita" -
Common Constructions: -
ita...ut = "so...that" or "in such a way...that" Example: "ita fēcērunt ut iusserat" (they did as he had commanded) -
ita...sīcut = "so...as" Example: "ita factum est sīcut prophetae praedīxerant" -
sī ita = "if thus/if so" Example: "Sī ita vīvimus, salvī erimus" -
Intensifying Use: When combined with adjectives, "ita" intensifies meaning: -
"ita māgna" = "so great" -
"ita vērē" = "so truly" -
Biblical and Ecclesiastical Usage: In Christian Latin, "ita" frequently appears in: -
Quotations of divine speech -
References to fulfillment of prophecy -
Liturgical formulas
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
For English-speaking students of Ecclesiastical Latin, understanding "ita" requires appreciating its role in Christian literature and liturgy: -
Biblical Translation: "Ita" often translates Greek "οὕτως" (houtōs) in the Vulgate, preserving the emphatic quality of Jesus's teachings. The famous John 3:16 begins "Sīc enim Deus dīlēxit mundum" in the Vulgate, but many patristic writers use "ita" in similar contexts. -
Liturgical Formulas: In the Mass and Divine Office, "ita" appears in responses and affirmations: -
"Ita, Domine" (Yes, Lord) -
"Et cum spīritū tuō" is sometimes preceded by discussions of how things are "ita" (thus done) -
Monastic Rules: St. Benedict's Rule frequently uses "ita" to prescribe specific ways of living: -
How to pray ("ita ōrent") -
How to work ("ita labōrent") -
How to receive guests ("ita suscipiantur") -
Theological Precision: Medieval theologians used "ita" to make careful distinctions: -
"ita ut" constructions for logical consequences -
"nōn ita" for clarifying what something doesn't mean -
Modern Usage: In contemporary Church documents, "ita" maintains its classical meaning but often appears in set phrases that English speakers should memorize as units.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From the Vulgate, Matthew 5:14-16:
Part F-A (Interleaved Text)
Vōs you estis are lūx the light mundī of the world. Nōn not potest can cīvitās a city abscondī be hidden suprā on montem a mountain posita placed. Neque nor accendunt do they light lucernam a lamp et and pōnunt put eam it sub under modiō a bushel sed but super on candelābrum a lampstand, ut so that lūceat it may shine omnibus to all quī who in in domō the house sunt are. Ita so lūceat let shine lūx light vestra your cōram before hominibus men ut that videant they may see opera works vestra your bona good et and glorificent glorify Patrem Father vestrum your quī who in in caelīs heaven est is.
Vōs estis lūx mundī. Nōn potest cīvitās abscondī suprā montem posita. Neque accendunt lucernam et pōnunt eam sub modiō, sed super candelābrum, ut lūceat omnibus quī in domō sunt. Ita lūceat lūx vestra cōram hominibus, ut videant opera vestra bona et glorificent Patrem vestrum quī in caelīs est.
You are the light of the world. A city placed on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Vōs estis lūx mundī. Nōn potest cīvitās abscondī suprā montem posita. Neque accendunt lucernam et pōnunt eam sub modiō, sed super candelābrum, ut lūceat omnibus quī in domō sunt. Ita lūceat lūx vestra cōram hominibus, ut videant opera vestra bona et glorificent Patrem vestrum quī in caelīs est.
This passage beautifully demonstrates "ita" in its imperative/jussive use: -
"Ita lūceat" - This is a jussive subjunctive (3rd person command) intensified by "ita." In English, we translate it as "So let...shine" or "Thus let...shine." -
Purpose Clause: The "ut videant" clause shows the purpose of letting one's light shine. Note how "ita" connects the metaphor of the lamp to the moral application. -
Word Order: The placement of "ita" at the beginning of its clause creates emphasis and marks the transition from example to application. -
Parallel Structure: The passage moves from statement ("vōs estis") to examples (city, lamp) to command ("ita lūceat"), showing typical biblical rhetorical structure.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
120.16 Ita thus ōrāmus we pray ad to tē you, Domine Lord, ut that exaudiās you may hear nōs us
120.17 Sacerdōs the priest dīcit says ita thus super over oblāta the offerings
120.18 Ita so nōs us custōdī guard, sancta holy Maria Mary, māter mother Deī of God
120.19 Fidēlēs the faithful respondent respond ita thus in in liturgiā the liturgy
120.20 Ita thus benedīcimus we bless nōmen the name tuum your sanctum holy
120.21 Dīc say nōbīs to us ita thus ut so that crēdāmus we may believe in in tē you
120.22 Ita so fīat may it be done voluntās the will tua your in on terrā earth
120.23 Episcopus the bishop ita thus cōnfirmat confirms puerōs the children in in fide faith
120.24 Ita thus cantāmus we sing laudēs praises tuās your omnī every diē day
120.25 Christus Christ ita so nōs us docuit taught ōrāre to pray
120.26 Ita thus accipimus we receive corpus the body et and sanguinem blood Domini of the Lord
120.27 Angeli the angels ita thus laudant praise Deum God in in caelīs heaven
120.28 Ita so pācem peace tuam your dā give nōbīs to us, Domine Lord
120.29 Monachī the monks ita thus psallunt chant in in chōrō the choir septiēs seven times in in diē the day
120.30 Ita thus miserēre have mercy nostrī on us, Deus God, secundum according to māgnam great misericordiam mercy tuam your
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
120.16 Ita ōrāmus ad tē, Domine, ut exaudiās nōs. Thus we pray to you, Lord, that you may hear us.
120.17 Sacerdōs dīcit ita super oblāta. The priest speaks thus over the offerings.
120.18 Ita nōs custōdī, sancta Maria, māter Deī. So guard us, holy Mary, mother of God.
120.19 Fidēlēs respondent ita in liturgiā. The faithful respond thus in the liturgy.
120.20 Ita benedīcimus nōmen tuum sanctum. Thus we bless your holy name.
120.21 Dīc nōbīs ita ut crēdāmus in tē. Speak to us so that we may believe in you.
120.22 Ita fīat voluntās tua in terrā. So may your will be done on earth.
120.23 Episcopus ita cōnfirmat puerōs in fide. The bishop thus confirms the children in faith.
120.24 Ita cantāmus laudēs tuās omnī diē. Thus we sing your praises every day.
120.25 Christus ita nōs docuit ōrāre. Christ thus taught us to pray.
120.26 Ita accipimus corpus et sanguinem Domini. Thus we receive the body and blood of the Lord.
120.27 Angeli ita laudant Deum in caelīs. The angels thus praise God in heaven.
120.28 Ita pācem tuam dā nōbīs, Domine. So give us your peace, Lord.
120.29 Monachī ita psallunt in chōrō septiēs in diē. The monks thus chant in the choir seven times a day.
120.30 Ita miserēre nostrī, Deus, secundum māgnam misericordiam tuam. Thus have mercy on us, God, according to your great mercy.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
120.16 Ita ōrāmus ad tē, Domine, ut exaudiās nōs.
120.17 Sacerdōs dīcit ita super oblāta.
120.18 Ita nōs custōdī, sancta Maria, māter Deī.
120.19 Fidēlēs respondent ita in liturgiā.
120.20 Ita benedīcimus nōmen tuum sanctum.
120.21 Dīc nōbīs ita ut crēdāmus in tē.
120.22 Ita fīat voluntās tua in terrā.
120.23 Episcopus ita cōnfirmat puerōs in fide.
120.24 Ita cantāmus laudēs tuās omnī diē.
120.25 Christus ita nōs docuit ōrāre.
120.26 Ita accipimus corpus et sanguinem Domini.
120.27 Angeli ita laudant Deum in caelīs.
120.28 Ita pācem tuam dā nōbīs, Domine.
120.29 Monachī ita psallunt in chōrō septiēs in diē.
120.30 Ita miserēre nostrī, Deus, secundum māgnam misericordiam tuam.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The use of "ita" in liturgical Latin shows several distinctive features that English speakers should understand: -
Liturgical Formulas: In prayers, "ita" often introduces or emphasizes: -
Petitions: "Ita ōrāmus" (Thus we pray) -
Blessings: "Ita benedīcimus" (Thus we bless) -
Responses: "Fidēlēs respondent ita" (The faithful respond thus) -
Imperative Constructions: "Ita" frequently appears with imperatives and jussive subjunctives: -
"Ita nōs custōdī" (So guard us) - imperative -
"Ita fīat" (So may it be done) - jussive subjunctive -
"Ita miserēre" (Thus have mercy) - imperative -
Purpose Clauses in Prayer: The construction "ita...ut" is common in liturgical petitions: -
"Dīc nōbīs ita ut crēdāmus" (Speak to us so that we may believe) -
"Ita ōrāmus...ut exaudiās" (Thus we pray...that you may hear) -
Word Order in Liturgical Latin: -
Initial "ita" for solemn emphasis -
Final position for liturgical responses -
Medial position in narrative descriptions -
Vocative with "ita": Prayers often combine "ita" with direct address: -
"Ita...Domine" (Thus...Lord) -
"Ita...Deus" (So...God) -
"Ita...sancta Maria" (So...holy Mary) -
Liturgical Actions: "Ita" describes how sacred actions are performed: -
"Sacerdōs dīcit ita" (The priest speaks thus) -
"Episcopus ita cōnfirmat" (The bishop thus confirms) -
"Ita accipimus corpus" (Thus we receive the body)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---