Dona Nobis Pacem

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"Dona nobis pacem" sung by Lisbeth Scott. Lisbeth did the vocals for John Debney in Mel Gibson's  "The Pasasion of the Christ." John Debney appeared on my radio talk show on Ash Wednesday 2004, just prior to the world release of the movie on Easter Sunday. Lisbeth appeared on the program the following Wednesday. Then the Wednesday following that, Blaise Noto was our guest on the program. He was the publicist for "The Passion of the Christ", as well as Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures and Columbia pictures, as publicist for the movies such as  "Titanic," and "The Kite Runner." 

Ecclesiastical Latin: ˈdona ˈnobis ˈpatcem is a song with Latin text, often sung as  canon or round (where each section starts with a new voice).

The words, which mean "Grant us peace", come from a portion of the Agnus Dei sung during the Roman Catholic Latin Mass. It is the invocation to the Lamb of God to have mercy and grant peace to the worshipers. It is said to have been introduced into the Mass by Pope Sergius I in 687 A.D.,  and is the last phrase of the Latin form:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

The origin of the melody is unknown (most hymnals list it as "traditional").

Lisbeth Scott acquiesced to sing at my funeral Mass. I just hope and pray it's not any time soon!

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