Catholic Prayer: Italian Religious Expressions

Description:

Here are some expressions that are frequently used among Italians. Let us increase our devotion within our homes by using religious expressions often when we speak.

Prayer:

The continual repetition of ejaculations such as Madonna, aiuta a me (Our Lady, help me) during the day's work is a common practice, Grazie a Dio (Thanks be to God) whenever something nice happens or a danger is averted, and Se Dio vuole, (If God Wills) are heard over and over again. It is said that the English expression, dear me, is of Italian origin, from the oft repeated ejaculation, Dio mio - My God.

Shall we not call this acceptance of a situation, the cause of which may be beyond their comprehension, the religious practice of resignation to God's will, as we hear the words, La volonta di Dio - "It is God's Will" - given to comfort the stricken and to give courage to the helpers.

Prayer Source: Your Home, A Church in Miniature by Compiled by The Family Life Bureau in the early 1950s, The Neumann Press, Long Prairie, Minnesota, 1994