Te Deum

Te Deum, also sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because if its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving. 

First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana (4th century). It is used at the conclusion of the Office of the Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours on Sundays outside Lent, daily during the Octaves of Christmas and Easter, and on Solemnities and Feast Days. The petitions at the end were added at a later time and are optional. 

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite it in thanksgiving and a plenary indulgence is granted if the hymn is recited publicly on the last day of the year.

Te Deum

We praise you, O God:

we acclaim you as the Lord.

 Everlasting Father,

 all the world bows down before you.

All the angels sing your praise,

the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers,

 all the cherubim and seraphim

 call out to you in unending song:

  Holy, Holy, Holy,

  is the Lord God of angel hosts!

The heavens and the earth are filled

with your majesty and glory.

 The glorious band of apostles,

 the noble company of prophets,

the white-robed army who shed their blood for Christ,

all sing your praise.

 And to the ends of the earth

 your holy Church proclaims her faith in you:

  Father, whose majesty is boundless,

  your true and only Son, who is to be adored,

  the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

Son of the eternal Father.

 When you took our nature to save mankind

 you did not shrink from birth in the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the power of death

opening the Father’s kingdom to all who believe in you.

 Enthroned at God’s right hand in the glory of the Father,

 you will come in judgment according to your promise.

You redeemed your people by your precious blood.

Come, we implore you, to our aid.

 Grant us with the saints

 a place in eternal glory.

The final part of the hymn may be omitted:

Lord, save your people

and bless your inheritance.

 Rule them and uphold them

 for ever and ever.

Day by day we praise you:

we acclaim you now and to all eternity.

In your goodness, Lord, keep us free from sin.

 Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

May your mercy always be with us, Lord,

for we have hoped in you.

 In you, Lord, we put our trust:

 we shall not be put to shame.