Doxology

A doxology (from the Greek doxa, glory, and logos, word) is a prayer or hymn of praise and glory addressed to God. The two principal doxologies in Catholic liturgy are the Gloria Patri ("Glory be to the Father...") and the Greater Doxology (Gloria in Excelsis Deo — "Glory to God in the highest..."; CCC 2639–2643).

The Lesser Doxology (Gloria Patri)

"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." This brief Trinitarian acclamation concludes each Psalm in the Liturgy of the Hours and each decade of the Rosary. It is one of the oldest non-scriptural prayers in the Christian tradition (CCC 2641).

The Greater Doxology (Gloria)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will..." This ancient hymn — drawing from the angels' song at the Nativity (Luke 2:14) — is sung or recited at Sunday Masses and feasts (except during Advent and Lent). It is an extended act of praise to all three Persons of the Trinity (CCC 2641).

The Lord's Prayer Doxology

Protestant liturgical tradition appends a doxology to the Lord's Prayer: "For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever." This is not found in the oldest manuscripts but appears in the Didache (c. 100 AD). The Catholic Mass includes it as a separate response after the Lord's Prayer, before the sign of peace (CCC 2855).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does every liturgical act culminate in a doxology? Because the ultimate purpose of every liturgical action is the glory of God. Creation exists for God's glory; redemption is the restoration of that glory; worship is humanity's participation in glorifying God. The doxology is the apex of every act of prayer (CCC 2639).