Definition

Noun: 1. A liturgical versicle: In Christian liturgy, particularly within the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some other Western Christian traditions, "Sursum corda" is a Latin phrase meaning "Lift up your hearts." It is a versicle (a short sentence said or sung by a priest or minister) that forms the opening dialogue of the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer during a Mass or Holy Communion service.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The priest began the Eucharistic Prayer with the ancient call, "Sursum corda." (The priest began the Eucharistic Prayer with the ancient call, "Lift up your hearts.")
  • The congregation's response to "Sursum corda" is "Habemus ad Dominum," meaning "We lift them up to the Lord." (The congregation's response to "Lift up your hearts" is "We lift them up to the Lord.")

Advanced Usage

• Liturgical Formula: The phrase is a fixed, unchangeable part of the liturgy. It is not used in casual conversation but is reserved for its specific ritual context.
• Historical and Theological Significance: The exchange of "Sursum corda" and its response signifies the call for the congregation to turn their minds and hearts from earthly concerns toward God in preparation for the central act of thanksgiving (Eucharist).

Variants and Related Words

• Preface: The part of the Eucharistic Prayer which the "Sursum corda" dialogue introduces.
• Versicle: A short verse or sentence spoken in a liturgical context, often by the officiant, to which the congregation replies.
• Habemus ad Dominum: The traditional Latin response to "Sursum corda."

Synonyms

• Liturgical call: A general term for a verbal invitation within a worship service.
• Versicle: The specific category of liturgical speech to which "Sursum corda" belongs.

Related Phrases

• Lift up your hearts: The direct English translation and meaning of the Latin phrase "Sursum corda."

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) a Latin versicle meaning `lift up your hearts'