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What does the word “Alleluia” mean?

What exactly are we saying when we exclaim, “He is risen! Alleluia”?

Alleluia is the well-known proclamation of Easter joy. All through Lent we haven’t seen or spoken a single syllable of the word, but now it bursts forth everywhere we look.

The word comes to us from the Jews—it was their cry of praise to God. It is often used in the Psalms.

In Hebrew, Allelu is an exclamation reserved for divine praise meaning “All hail” or “Glory in the highest.” Ia refers to God Himself, “Him Who Is.”

Allelu-ia, therefore, means “All hail to Him Who Is” or even—roughly—“Glory to God in the highest.”

When Catholics adopted the phrase, it soon became very important in the Liturgy and Office.

It is always removed during Lent because of its joyful character, and returns with the great celebrations of Easter:

During Eastertime it is the characteristic Paschal note of varying parts of Mass and Office, constantly appearing at the beginning and end, and even in the middle, of psalms, as an instinctive exclamation of ecstatic joy.
The Catholic Encyclopedia

Lent is over. The Easter season has begun. Before us is a time of rejoicing and celebration. What better way to celebrate than with the Psalms? Our Book of Psalms Color Journal will inspire joy and creativity as it takes you through the Psalms in a unique way—the pages featuring beautiful designs to color and space to write reflections and prayers. Contains 365 entries for each day of the year, but is not year-specific—so you can start and finish anytime. Order yours today at The Catholic Company!

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