15Mystery of Faith and the Great Amen
We proclaim Jesus’ death and Resurrection until he comes again. The prayer ends with the most important “Amen” of the Mass: everyone’s yes to all of it. “Amen” comes from the same Hebrew root as “believe”.
Do Kneel.
Say “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again” (or another acclamation). Then: “Amen.”
Did you know?
How long have Christians been saying this Amen?
Since at least the year 155. St Justin wrote that at the end of the prayer “all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: ‘Amen’” (CCC 1345).
For parentsThe theology behind this moment, and where every fact comes from
Go deeper
- The Mass as a sacrificeHow the Mass makes the Cross present without repeating it.
- Heaven at MassHow the Mass joins the worship of heaven, with the angels and saints.
Where this comes from
- Teaching The acclamation after the consecration (GIRM 151). St Paul: “you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
- Teaching The prayer is made with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, for the living and the dead (GIRM 79g).
- Tip Listening for the names of Mary, the Pope and your bishop.
- Teaching The people’s Amen confirms the whole prayer (GIRM 79h). Christians said it in the year 155 too (CCC 1345).
- Teaching “Amen” comes from the same Hebrew root as “believe” (CCC 1062).
- Tradition Calling it “the Great Amen”.
What the labels mean: Teaching, Tradition and Tip.