Part of Allhallowtide: It marks the final day of the Hallowtide triduum, following All Saints’ Eve (Halloween) on October 31 and All Saints’ Day (Day of the Dead) on November 1
Translates to “Day of Wrath,” focusing on the souls of the dead rising for judgment. The poem is attributed to the thirteenth-century Franciscan Thomas of Celano and long prescribed as part of the Latin Requiem Mass, the Dies Irae enjoys a special place in Western musical culture thanks to the memorable settings of the Requiem text by composers ranging from Mozart to Verdi to Britten, among many others.
O day of wrath, that day
when the earth will be reduced to ashes,
as David and the Sibyl both testify!
What great fear there will be,
when the judge comes
to judge all things strictly.
A trumpet casts a wondrous sound
into the realm of the tombs,
calling all [to come] before the throne.
Death and nature will both marvel
as the [human] creature rises
to answer its judge.
A book will be brought forth
in which all things are recorded –
all that for which the world will be judged.
When, therefore, the judge appears,
all that is hidden will appear,
and no ills will remain unavenged.
As miserable as I am, what am I to say?
whose protection may I invoke,
when even the just lack security?
O most majestic King,
who freely saves those to be saved,
save me, source of mercy!
Remember, merciful Jesus,
that I am the one for whom you came:
may I not be lost on that day!
Seeking me, you sat down tired:
to redeem me, you suffered the Cross –
may your toil not be in vain!
Just and avenging judge,
may you grant remission [of sins]
before the day of reckoning.
Guilty, now I sigh,
my face red with shame:
save thy petitioner, o God!
Having absolved Mary [Magdalene],
and heard the plea of the thief,
may you give me hope as well.
Though my prayers are not worthy,
be kind to me, o Good One,
that I may be spared the eternal fire!
Place me among the sheep,
and separate me from the goats,
setting me at your right hand.
When the wicked are confounded
and given over to bitter flames:
call me among the blessed.
Meek and humble, I pray,
with a heart contrite as ashes:
Help me reach my final end.
How tearful that day will be,
when from the ashes will arise
the guilty man for judgment.
Therefore spare him, O God!
Merciful Lord Jesus,
grant them rest. Amen.
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