In Paradisum (“Into Paradise”) is an antiphon from the Requiem Mass. In the Masses for the dead, this antiphon is sung at the end of the Mass. Traditionally it was sung in a procession on the way from the final blessing of the corpse in the church to the
cemetery where the burial took place.
It is a particularly fitting chant to meditate on for the feast of All Soul’s Day, where we remember the faithful departed and pray for their entry into Heaven.
In Paradisum, as it is commonly known in Gregorian Chant, has an unkwown author; it is interpreted here by the American Catholic vocal ensemble, Cantores in Ecclesia, directed by Dean Applegate.
Listen to In Paradisum
Lyrics:
Latin lyrics
In paradisum deducant te Angeli;
In tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres,
Et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem.
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
Et cum Lazaro quondam paupere,
Aeternam habeas requiem.
English translation:
May the angels lead you into paradise;
May the martyrs receive you at your arrival,
And lead you to the holy city Jerusalem.
May the choirs of angels receive you,
And with Lazarus, once poor,
May you have eternal rest.
