← Latinum Institute Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course
Definition: The Latin adverb semper means “always,” “ever,” or “at all times.” It expresses perpetual, continuous, or habitual action and appears throughout Catholic liturgy, Scripture, and theological writing. In the Gloria Patri, we pray “et nunc, et semper” (and now, and always); in the Confiteor, we invoke “beatae Mariae semper Virgini” (blessed Mary ever Virgin). This word anchors the Church’s proclamation of eternal truths and unchanging divine realities.
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What does “always” mean in Ecclesiastical Latin? The word semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) translates the English “always” in liturgical contexts. It is indeclinable, meaning it never changes form regardless of the grammatical context. The fifteen examples below demonstrate semper in various positions within authentic Catholic sentence patterns drawn from prayers, Scripture, and Church teaching.
Key Takeaways: Semper is indeclinable and functions as a temporal adverb modifying verbs. It appears in preverbal position (semper laudamus), postverbal position (facio semper), and in fixed liturgical formulas (et nunc et semper). The word carries theological weight, expressing God’s eternal nature, Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the Church’s constant prayer.
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Ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation follows Italianate conventions standardized in the Roman Catholic Church. For semper: the stress falls on the first syllable; both vowels are short, open “e” sounds (/ɛ/); the “m” is fully pronounced before the “p”; the final “r” is a light tap or trill.
IPA: /ˈsɛm.pɛr/
The syllables divide as SEM-per, with primary stress on SEM. English speakers should avoid reducing the final syllable to a schwa—maintain the full /ɛ/ vowel quality throughout.
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149.1a Fideles the-faithful-NOM.PL semper always orant pray in in ecclesia church-ABL
Fideles (/fiˈde.les/) the-faithful-NOM.PL semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always orant (/ˈo.rant/) pray in (/in/) in ecclesia (/ek.ˈkle.zi.a/) church-ABL
149.2a Deus God-NOM amat loves nos us-ACC semper always
Deus (/ˈde.us/) God-NOM amat (/ˈa.mat/) loves nos (/nos/) us-ACC semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.3a Sicut as erat it-was in in principio beginning-ABL et and nunc now et and semper always
Sicut (/ˈsi.kut/) as erat (/ˈe.rat/) it-was in (/in/) in principio (/prin.ˈtʃi.pi.o/) beginning-ABL et (/et/) and nunc (/nunk/) now et (/et/) and semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.4a Beatae blessed-DAT Mariae Mary-DAT semper ever Virgini Virgin-DAT supplico I-entreat
Beatae (/be.ˈa.te/) blessed-DAT Mariae (/ma.ˈri.e/) Mary-DAT semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) ever Virgini (/ˈvir.dʒi.ni/) Virgin-DAT supplico (/ˈsup.pli.ko/) I-entreat
149.5a Pax peace-NOM Domini of-the-Lord-GEN sit may-be semper always vobiscum with-you-PL
Pax (/paks/) peace-NOM Domini (/ˈdo.mi.ni/) of-the-Lord-GEN sit (/sit/) may-be semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always vobiscum (/vo.ˈbis.kum/) with-you-PL
149.6a Ego I-NOM quae what-ACC.PL placita pleasing sunt are ei to-him-DAT facio I-do semper always
Ego (/ˈe.ɡo/) I-NOM quae (/kwe/) what-ACC.PL placita (/ˈpla.tʃi.ta/) pleasing sunt (/sunt/) are ei (/ˈe.i/) to-him-DAT facio (/ˈfa.tʃi.o/) I-do semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.7a Sacerdos priest-NOM semper always offert offers sacrificium sacrifice-ACC Deo to-God-DAT
Sacerdos (/sa.ˈtʃer.dos/) priest-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always offert (/ˈof.fert/) offers sacrificium (/sa.kri.ˈfi.tʃi.um/) sacrifice-ACC Deo (/ˈde.o/) to-God-DAT
149.8a Libera deliver-IMP nos us-ACC semper always Virgo Virgin-VOC gloriosa glorious-VOC
Libera (/ˈli.be.ra/) deliver-IMP nos (/nos/) us-ACC semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always Virgo (/ˈvir.ɡo/) Virgin-VOC gloriosa (/ɡlo.ri.ˈo.za/) glorious-VOC
149.9a Christus Christ-NOM vivit lives et and regnat reigns semper always
Christus (/ˈkris.tus/) Christ-NOM vivit (/ˈvi.vit/) lives et (/et/) and regnat (/ˈreɲ.nat/) reigns semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.10a Meditatio meditation-NOM cordis of-heart-GEN mei my-GEN in in conspectu sight-ABL tuo your-ABL semper always
Meditatio (/me.di.ˈta.tsi.o/) meditation-NOM cordis (/ˈkor.dis/) of-heart-GEN mei (/ˈme.i/) my-GEN in (/in/) in conspectu (/kon.ˈspek.tu/) sight-ABL tuo (/ˈtu.o/) your-ABL semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.11a Ecclesia Church-NOM semper always docet teaches veritatem truth-ACC Christi of-Christ-GEN
Ecclesia (/ek.ˈkle.zi.a/) Church-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always docet (/ˈdo.tʃet/) teaches veritatem (/ve.ri.ˈta.tem/) truth-ACC Christi (/ˈkris.ti/) of-Christ-GEN
149.12a Fac make-IMP me me-ACC tibi to-you-DAT semper always magis more credere to-believe
Fac (/fak/) make-IMP me (/me/) me-ACC tibi (/ˈti.bi/) to-you-DAT semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always magis (/ˈma.dʒis/) more credere (/ˈkre.de.re/) to-believe
149.13a Benedicam I-will-bless Dominum Lord-ACC in in omni every-ABL tempore time-ABL semper always laus praise-NOM eius his-GEN
Benedicam (/be.ne.ˈdi.kam/) I-will-bless Dominum (/ˈdo.mi.num/) Lord-ACC in (/in/) in omni (/ˈom.ni/) every-ABL tempore (/ˈtem.po.re/) time-ABL semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always laus (/la.us/) praise-NOM eius (/ˈe.jus/) his-GEN
149.14a Oratio prayer-NOM nostra our-NOM a from te you-ABL semper always incipiat may-begin
Oratio (/o.ˈra.tsi.o/) prayer-NOM nostra (/ˈnos.tra/) our-NOM a (/a/) from te (/te/) you-ABL semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always incipiat (/in.ˈtʃi.pi.at/) may-begin
149.15a Angeli angels-NOM Dei of-God-GEN semper always vident see faciem face-ACC Patris of-Father-GEN
Angeli (/ˈan.dʒe.li/) angels-NOM Dei (/ˈde.i/) of-God-GEN semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always vident (/ˈvi.dent/) see faciem (/ˈfa.tʃi.em/) face-ACC Patris (/ˈpa.tris/) of-Father-GEN
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149.1 Fideles semper orant in ecclesia. “The faithful always pray in the church.”
149.2 Deus amat nos semper. “God loves us always.”
149.3 Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper. “As it was in the beginning, is now, and always.”
149.4 Beatae Mariae semper Virgini supplico. “I entreat blessed Mary, ever Virgin.”
149.5 Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. “May the peace of the Lord be always with you.”
149.6 Ego quae placita sunt ei facio semper. “I always do what is pleasing to Him.”
149.7 Sacerdos semper offert sacrificium Deo. “The priest always offers sacrifice to God.”
149.8 Libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa. “Deliver us always, O glorious Virgin.”
149.9 Christus vivit et regnat semper. “Christ lives and reigns always.”
149.10 Meditatio cordis mei in conspectu tuo semper. “The meditation of my heart is always in your sight.”
149.11 Ecclesia semper docet veritatem Christi. “The Church always teaches the truth of Christ.”
149.12 Fac me tibi semper magis credere. “Make me believe in you always more.”
149.13 Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore; semper laus eius. “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise is always.”
149.14 Oratio nostra a te semper incipiat. “May our prayer always begin from you.”
149.15 Angeli Dei semper vident faciem Patris. “The angels of God always see the face of the Father.”
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149.1 Fideles semper orant in ecclesia.
149.2 Deus amat nos semper.
149.3 Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper.
149.4 Beatae Mariae semper Virgini supplico.
149.5 Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
149.6 Ego quae placita sunt ei facio semper.
149.7 Sacerdos semper offert sacrificium Deo.
149.8 Libera nos semper, Virgo gloriosa.
149.9 Christus vivit et regnat semper.
149.10 Meditatio cordis mei in conspectu tuo semper.
149.11 Ecclesia semper docet veritatem Christi.
149.12 Fac me tibi semper magis credere.
149.13 Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore; semper laus eius.
149.14 Oratio nostra a te semper incipiat.
149.15 Angeli Dei semper vident faciem Patris.
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These are the grammar rules for semper:
The word semper belongs to the class of indeclinable adverbs in Latin. Unlike nouns, adjectives, and verbs, semper never changes form regardless of the case, number, gender, or tense of surrounding words. It modifies verbs to indicate that an action occurs at all times, perpetually, or habitually.
Syntactic Position: Semper exhibits flexible word order in Latin sentences. It commonly appears in preverbal position (semper orat “he always prays”), but can also follow the verb for emphasis (facio semper “I do always,” as in John 8:29). In liturgical formulas, semper often appears in fixed phrases such as “et nunc, et semper” or “semper Virgini.”
No Comparative or Superlative: Unlike many adverbs, semper has no comparative or superlative forms. One cannot say “more always” or “most always” in Latin—semper already expresses the absolute maximum of temporal extent.
Contrast with Related Adverbs: Semper contrasts with numquam (never), saepe (often), interdum (sometimes), and umquam (ever, in questions or negations). The adverb semper expresses universal affirmative frequency, while numquam expresses universal negative frequency.
Common Mistakes:
Learners sometimes confuse semper with saepe (often). Remember: semper indicates “always” without exception, while saepe indicates “frequently” but not universally.
Another error involves attempting to decline semper as if it were a noun or adjective. Since semper is indeclinable, it remains semper in every grammatical context.
Theological Note: In Marian contexts, semper Virgini (ever Virgin) affirms the Church’s teaching on Mary’s perpetual virginity—before, during, and after the birth of Christ. The adverb semper carries doctrinal precision here, asserting that Mary’s virginity persists across all time.
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The adverb semper permeates Catholic liturgical life. Every doxology—the Gloria Patri said after psalms and in the Rosary—contains “et nunc, et semper,” linking present worship to eternal praise. This phrase creates a bridge between temporal human prayer and the timeless worship of the heavenly court.
In the Confiteor, the confession of sins recited at Mass, Catholics invoke “beatae Mariae semper Virgini” (blessed Mary ever Virgin). This title affirms the Church’s ancient belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity, a doctrine upheld since the early centuries of Christianity. The adverb semper does theological work here, clarifying that Mary’s virginity is not merely pre-natal but eternal.
The Pax Domini—”Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum” (May the peace of the Lord be always with you)—is exchanged before Holy Communion. The priest’s blessing includes semper to indicate that Christ’s peace is not a fleeting gift but a permanent possession for those in communion with Him.
Regional Observations: While Latin liturgy is universal, local traditions vary in the chanting of these texts. The phrase “et semper” receives musical emphasis in Gregorian chant, often set to melismatic passages that linger on the word, expressing through music the concept of eternal duration.
Idiomatic Expressions: The motto “Semper fidelis” (Always faithful) is used by various military corps and religious organizations. In secular contexts, semper appears in institutional mottoes and heraldic devices, always carrying the sense of unwavering constancy.
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F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Gloria glory-NOM Patri to-Father-DAT et and Filio to-Son-DAT et and Spiritui to-Spirit-DAT Sancto Holy-DAT
Gloria (/ˈɡlo.ri.a/) glory-NOM Patri (/ˈpa.tri/) to-Father-DAT et (/et/) and Filio (/ˈfi.li.o/) to-Son-DAT et (/et/) and Spiritui (/spi.ˈri.tu.i/) to-Spirit-DAT Sancto (/ˈsaŋk.to/) Holy-DAT
Sicut as erat it-was in in principio beginning-ABL et and nunc now et and semper always et and in into saecula ages-ACC saeculorum of-ages-GEN
Sicut (/ˈsi.kut/) as erat (/ˈe.rat/) it-was in (/in/) in principio (/prin.ˈtʃi.pi.o/) beginning-ABL et (/et/) and nunc (/nunk/) now et (/et/) and semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always et (/et/) and in (/in/) into saecula (/ˈse.ku.la/) ages-ACC saeculorum (/se.ku.ˈlo.rum/) of-ages-GEN
Amen amen
Amen (/a.ˈmɛn/) amen
F-B: Authentic Text with Translation
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
Source: The Gloria Patri, also called the Lesser Doxology, dates to at least the fourth century and appears throughout the Divine Office and popular devotions.
F-C: Latin Text Only
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
F-D: Grammar and Vocabulary Notes
The Gloria Patri demonstrates the dative case for recipients of praise (Patri, Filio, Spiritui Sancto). The phrase “et nunc, et semper” coordinates three temporal expressions: “in principio” (in the beginning—past), “nunc” (now—present), and “semper” (always—extending to eternity). The final phrase “in saecula saeculorum” (unto the ages of ages) is a Hebraism expressing the superlative of eternity. The entire doxology links the glory given to the Trinity across all time, with semper serving as the pivot between present and eternal worship.
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The following fifteen examples draw from the vocabulary and style of monastic Divine Office, demonstrating how semper appears in the prayers of consecrated religious life.
149.16a Monachi monks-NOM semper always vigilant keep-vigil in in nocte night-ABL sancta holy-ABL
Monachi (/ˈmo.na.ki/) monks-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always vigilant (/ˈvi.dʒi.lant/) keep-vigil in (/in/) in nocte (/ˈnok.te/) night-ABL sancta (/ˈsaŋk.ta/) holy-ABL
149.17a Regula rule-NOM Benedicti of-Benedict-GEN docet teaches semper always orare to-pray
Regula (/ˈre.ɡu.la/) rule-NOM Benedicti (/be.ne.ˈdik.ti/) of-Benedict-GEN docet (/ˈdo.tʃet/) teaches semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always orare (/o.ˈra.re/) to-pray
149.18a Fratres brothers-NOM cantant sing laudes praises-ACC Deo to-God-DAT semper always
Fratres (/ˈfra.tres/) brothers-NOM cantant (/ˈkan.tant/) sing laudes (/ˈla.u.des/) praises-ACC Deo (/ˈde.o/) to-God-DAT semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always
149.19a Abbas abbot-NOM nos us-ACC hortatur exhorts ut that semper always laboremus we-may-work
Abbas (/ˈab.bas/) abbot-NOM nos (/nos/) us-ACC hortatur (/or.ˈta.tur/) exhorts ut (/ut/) that semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always laboremus (/la.bo.ˈre.mus/) we-may-work
149.20a Silentium silence-NOM semper always servatur is-kept in in claustro cloister-ABL
Silentium (/si.ˈlɛn.tsi.um/) silence-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always servatur (/ser.ˈva.tur/) is-kept in (/in/) in claustro (/ˈkla.us.tro/) cloister-ABL
149.21a Opus work-NOM Dei of-God-GEN semper always praeferatur may-be-preferred
Opus (/ˈo.pus/) work-NOM Dei (/ˈde.i/) of-God-GEN semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always praeferatur (/pre.fe.ˈra.tur/) may-be-preferred
149.22a Monachus monk-NOM semper always quaerit seeks Deum God-ACC solum alone-ACC
Monachus (/mo.ˈna.kus/) monk-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always quaerit (/ˈkwe.rit/) seeks Deum (/ˈde.um/) God-ACC solum (/ˈso.lum/) alone-ACC
149.23a Lectio reading-NOM divina divine-NOM semper always nutrit nourishes animam soul-ACC
Lectio (/ˈlek.tsi.o/) reading-NOM divina (/di.ˈvi.na/) divine-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always nutrit (/ˈnu.trit/) nourishes animam (/ˈa.ni.mam/) soul-ACC
149.24a Humilitas humility-NOM semper always exaltatur is-exalted a by Domino Lord-ABL
Humilitas (/hu.ˈmi.li.tas/) humility-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always exaltatur (/ek.sal.ˈta.tur/) is-exalted a (/a/) by Domino (/ˈdo.mi.no/) Lord-ABL
149.25a Cellam cell-ACC tuam your-ACC semper always dilige love-IMP
Cellam (/ˈtʃel.lam/) cell-ACC tuam (/ˈtu.am/) your-ACC semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always dilige (/ˈdi.li.dʒe/) love-IMP
149.26a Vigilia vigil-NOM nocturna nocturnal-NOM semper always laudat praises Creatorem Creator-ACC
Vigilia (/vi.ˈdʒi.li.a/) vigil-NOM nocturna (/nok.ˈtur.na/) nocturnal-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always laudat (/ˈla.u.dat/) praises Creatorem (/kre.a.ˈto.rem/) Creator-ACC
149.27a Obedientia obedience-NOM semper always placet pleases Deo God-DAT
Obedientia (/o.be.di.ˈɛn.tsi.a/) obedience-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always placet (/ˈpla.tʃet/) pleases Deo (/ˈde.o/) God-DAT
149.28a Communitas community-NOM monastica monastic-NOM semper always crescit grows in in caritate charity-ABL
Communitas (/kom.mu.ˈni.tas/) community-NOM monastica (/mo.ˈnas.ti.ka/) monastic-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always crescit (/ˈkre.ʃit/) grows in (/in/) in caritate (/ka.ri.ˈta.te/) charity-ABL
149.29a Psalmus psalm-NOM semper always resonat resounds in in choro choir-ABL fratrum of-brothers-GEN
Psalmus (/ˈpsal.mus/) psalm-NOM semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always resonat (/ˈre.so.nat/) resounds in (/in/) in choro (/ˈko.ro/) choir-ABL fratrum (/ˈfra.trum/) of-brothers-GEN
149.30a Pax peace-NOM Christi of-Christ-GEN semper always maneat may-remain in in coenobio monastery-ABL nostro our-ABL
Pax (/paks/) peace-NOM Christi (/ˈkris.ti/) of-Christ-GEN semper (/ˈsɛm.pɛr/) always maneat (/ˈma.ne.at/) may-remain in (/in/) in coenobio (/tʃe.ˈno.bi.o/) monastery-ABL nostro (/ˈnos.tro/) our-ABL
149.16 Monachi semper vigilant in nocte sancta. “Monks always keep vigil in the holy night.”
149.17 Regula Benedicti docet semper orare. “The Rule of Benedict teaches to pray always.”
149.18 Fratres cantant laudes Deo semper. “The brothers sing praises to God always.”
149.19 Abbas nos hortatur ut semper laboremus. “The abbot exhorts us that we may always work.”
149.20 Silentium semper servatur in claustro. “Silence is always kept in the cloister.”
149.21 Opus Dei semper praeferatur. “The Work of God may always be preferred.”
149.22 Monachus semper quaerit Deum solum. “The monk always seeks God alone.”
149.23 Lectio divina semper nutrit animam. “Divine reading always nourishes the soul.”
149.24 Humilitas semper exaltatur a Domino. “Humility is always exalted by the Lord.”
149.25 Cellam tuam semper dilige. “Always love your cell.”
149.26 Vigilia nocturna semper laudat Creatorem. “The night vigil always praises the Creator.”
149.27 Obedientia semper placet Deo. “Obedience always pleases God.”
149.28 Communitas monastica semper crescit in caritate. “The monastic community always grows in charity.”
149.29 Psalmus semper resonat in choro fratrum. “The psalm always resounds in the choir of brothers.”
149.30 Pax Christi semper maneat in coenobio nostro. “May the peace of Christ always remain in our monastery.”
149.16 Monachi semper vigilant in nocte sancta.
149.17 Regula Benedicti docet semper orare.
149.18 Fratres cantant laudes Deo semper.
149.19 Abbas nos hortatur ut semper laboremus.
149.20 Silentium semper servatur in claustro.
149.21 Opus Dei semper praeferatur.
149.22 Monachus semper quaerit Deum solum.
149.23 Lectio divina semper nutrit animam.
149.24 Humilitas semper exaltatur a Domino.
149.25 Cellam tuam semper dilige.
149.26 Vigilia nocturna semper laudat Creatorem.
149.27 Obedientia semper placet Deo.
149.28 Communitas monastica semper crescit in caritate.
149.29 Psalmus semper resonat in choro fratrum.
149.30 Pax Christi semper maneat in coenobio nostro.
The monastic examples demonstrate several grammatical features alongside the adverb semper.
Passive Voice: In 149.20 (servatur), 149.21 (praeferatur), and 149.24 (exaltatur), the passive voice indicates that an action is done to the subject rather than by the subject. The phrase “Opus Dei semper praeferatur” uses the passive subjunctive to express a prescription or command: “Let the Work of God always be preferred.”
Purpose Clauses: Example 149.19 shows the subjunctive laboremus following ut to express purpose: “ut semper laboremus” (that we may always work).
Ablative of Agent: In 149.24, “a Domino” indicates the agent in a passive construction—humility is exalted by the Lord.
Imperative Mood: Example 149.25 uses the imperative dilige (love!) to give a direct command. The adverb semper modifies the command, making it a perpetual exhortation.
Subjunctive of Wish: Example 149.30 employs the subjunctive maneat to express a wish or prayer: “May the peace of Christ always remain.”
The Rule of St. Benedict (c. 530 AD), referenced in 149.17, contains the famous injunction “Ora et labora” (Pray and work) and stipulates that nothing should be preferred to the Opus Dei—the communal prayer of the Divine Office. The adverb semper captures the constancy of monastic life, where prayer, work, silence, and community unfold in daily rhythms intended to orient the soul perpetually toward God.
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semper /ˈsɛm.pɛr/ — Stress on first syllable. Both “e” vowels are short, open /ɛ/ (as in English “bet”). The “m” is fully articulated before “p.” The final “r” is a light tap or trill.
Common Words in This Lesson: -
Deus /ˈde.us/ — God -
Dominus /ˈdo.mi.nus/ — Lord -
ecclesia /ek.ˈkle.zi.a/ — church -
Gloria /ˈɡlo.ri.a/ — glory -
Virgo /ˈvir.ɡo/ — Virgin -
pax /paks/ — peace -
veritas /ˈve.ri.tas/ — truth -
orare /o.ˈra.re/ — to pray
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✓ Lesson 149 Ecclesiastical Latin complete
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