Memorial Day

'In Paradisum' is the closing of the Requiem Mass. As we remember the men and women who served their country and are no longer with us, especially those who died defending us, this portion of the mass attempts to explain the inexplicable - what comes after life. The text is copied below in Latin and English:

In paradisum deducant te angeli,
in tuo adventu
suscipiant te martyres,
et perducant te
in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
et cum Lazaro quondam paupere
aeternam habeas requiem.

May the angels lead you into paradise,
may the martyrs receive you
in your coming,
and may they guide you
into the holy city, Jerusalem.
May the chorus of angels receive you
and with Lazarus once poor
may you have eternal rest.

The first version presented is the original Gregorian chant.



The second is Maurice Durufle's 20th century interpretation of the original.



This hope for family and friends who've gone before us. Especially to Bob Feighner.