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Gloria Patri: The Glory Be in Latin
Read the Gloria Patri, or Glory Be, in Latin with an English translation. Learn its use in the Rosary and Psalms, basic grammar, and its difference from the Gloria in excelsis.
Part of the Latin prayers prayer collection.
In brief
The Gloria Patri is the Latin form of the Glory Be, also called the Lesser Doxology. It praises the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and is traditionally prayed at the end of a Psalm and after each decade of the Rosary.
Latin and English text
| Latin | English |
| --- | --- |
| Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. | Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. |
| Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, | As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, |
| et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. | world without end. Amen. |
For prayer:
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Source and tradition: the traditional Latin doxology used in Catholic prayer. English translations vary slightly, including "world without end" and "for ever and ever."
When is the Gloria Patri prayed?
- In the Rosary: after each decade, following the ten Hail Marys.
- With the Psalms: traditionally at the end of a Psalm or group of Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours.
- In private prayer: after a Psalm, a decade, or another prayer of praise.
- In communal prayer: follow the text and direction provided by the parish, monastery, or prayer group.
Its repeated position is not an empty interruption. It returns the words of the Psalm or Rosary to praise of the Triune God.
Why Patri, Filio, and Spiritui?
The words Patri, Filio, and Spiritui are dative forms. In this sentence, the dative expresses "to the Father," "to the Son," and "to the Holy Spirit." Pater, Filius, and Spiritus are dictionary forms, but the prayer needs the forms that fit the phrase giving glory to someone.
The grammar supports the meaning: glory is given equally to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a short confession of Trinitarian faith, not a prayer to three separate gods.
Gloria Patri and Gloria in excelsis
The Gloria Patri is the Lesser Doxology: short, repeated, and commonly attached to Psalms and Rosary decades. The Gloria in excelsis Deo, or Glory to God in the Highest, is the longer hymn used in the Mass on appropriate days and in other liturgical settings.
They are related prayers of praise, but they are not interchangeable texts. Use the name and text that belongs to the prayer or liturgy you are following.
A beginner's pronunciation note
In ecclesiastical Latin, Gloria is commonly pronounced with a clear gl sound, Patri with a softened a, and Spiritui with distinct vowels. Exact choir pronunciation varies by region. Read the text with the translation first and listen to a trusted Catholic choir when singing publicly.
Sources & Tradition
Frequently asked questions
What is the Gloria Patri in Latin?
It is: Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. In English, it is the Glory Be.
When do Catholics pray the Gloria Patri?
It is traditionally prayed after each decade of the Rosary and at the end of Psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours. It can also be used in personal prayer as a short act of praise.
What does Gloria Patri mean?
Gloria Patri means "Glory be to the Father." The rest of the prayer gives the same glory to the Son and the Holy Spirit and affirms God's eternal continuity.
Is the Gloria Patri the same as the Gloria in excelsis?
No. The Gloria Patri is the short or Lesser Doxology. The Gloria in excelsis is a longer hymn of praise used in the Mass and other liturgical contexts.