Ubi Caritas

March 11, 2021

“Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est” or it’s alternate translation “Ubi caritas est vera” are words you’ve likely heard sung during mass this weekend, but what do they mean and what are their importance in Catholic music tradition? The text for Ubi Caritas is thought to have been written by Saint Paulinus II in 796 A.D., and is as follows:

Latin

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor.

Exsultemus, et in ipso jucundemur.

Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum.

Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul ergo cum in unum congregamur:

Ne nos mente dividamur, caveamus.

Cessent iurgia maligna, cessent lites.

Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus.

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.

Simul quoque cum beatis videamus,

Glorianter vultum tuum, Christe Deus:

Gaudium quod est immensum, atque probum,

Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.

English

Where charity and love are, there God is.

The love of Christ has gathered us into one.

Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.

Let us fear and let us love the living God.

And from a sincere heart let us love each other (and Him).

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:

Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.

Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.

And in the midst of us be Christ our God.

Where charity and love are, there God is.

Together also with the blessed may we see,

Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:

A joy which is immense, and also approved:

Through infinite ages of ages. Amen.

There are many musical settings of this text, ranging from the traditional Gregorian chant setting still in use in places like the Vatican to the contemporary settings you may have heard at St. Angela by Bob Hurd or Ola Gjeilo. The song is a call to humble ourselves and seek God where he may be found, in charity and love. It is an anthem that reminds us that God is present in our acts of service and charity, and any time we show love to one another.

It’s no coincidence that this song has been used for centuries as an antiphon to be sung during the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday. It is a song that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of servanthood that Jesus displayed by washing the feet of His disciples, and His challenge to us to do the same.

In these challenging times, let us reflect on what the words “Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est” mean in our lives. Where can we meet our Lord’s challenge and bring about His presence through our own acts of service, charity, and love?