The Order of Mass

Agnus Dei

At the breaking of the Bread — John 1:29

LatinEnglish

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

SourceThe Order of Mass · At the breaking of the Bread — John 1:29

The history of this prayer

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29): so St John the Baptist pointed out Jesus. He is the Passover Lamb, whose blood saved Israel, and the Lamb of the Apocalypse, slain and victorious.

Pope Sergius I (687–701), of Syrian origin, introduced the Agnus Dei into the Roman Mass, to be sung during the breaking of the Bread. In the eleventh century the third invocation came to end with “grant us peace”; at Masses for the dead, “grant them rest” is said.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?

Because he is the true Passover lamb, offered for the sins of the world. That is how St John the Baptist presented him (John 1:29).

When is the Agnus Dei said at Mass?

During the breaking of the Bread, after the sign of peace and before Communion.

Who introduced the Agnus Dei into the Mass?

Pope St Sergius I, at the end of the seventh century.

More prayers: At Mass, in Latin

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