Sacred Music: "Christus Factus Est"

Here is my favorite recording of this ancient hymn, followed by some suggestions on how to incorporate it into your prayer life.

Christus factus est (Christ became obedient) is taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Phlippians. It is a Gregorian gradual—a chant or hymn used in the mass. 

Here is my favorite recording of this ancient hymn, followed by some suggestions on how to incorporate it into your prayer life.

There are many versions of Christus Factus Est. This one is sung by Harpa Dei—a brother and three sisters.  You can find more of their music here. The words of the hymn are below, in Latin and English

How to Use It

Recitation or singing of the Christus Factus Est is not a required element in Catholic devotion. So there are no rules as to when or how to say it.  A person is free to incorporate it it as an optional devotion by itself, or an addition to your prayer life.  Some suggested uses include praying or singing it…

• Before bed or in the morning.

• Before starting your prayer time, to prepare your mind and spirit to be in a prayerful state.

• Spontaneously any time of day to re-center your soul when the day gets hectic.

• As a meditation tool, slowly reciting the words and focusing on a word or phrase that stands out for you in the moment. If nothing stands out, then just be thoughtful of the phrases you’re saying, as you say them, considering their meaning.

Lyrics

Latin

Christus factus est pro nobis obediens
usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis.
Propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum et dedit illi nomen,
quod est super omne nomen.

English

Christ became obedient for us unto death,
even to the death, death on the cross.
Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him a name
which is above all names