Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SEVEN WORDS OF CHRIST

The last words of Christ spoken from the Cross, recorded by Mark, Luke, and John. In sequence they are "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing"; "Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with Me in paradise" to the penitent thief; "Woman, this is your son," spoken to Mary; "This is your mother," Christ's bequest to John; "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" Parched with thirst, Christ called out, "I am thirsty"; and then, "It is accomplished." When every prophecy had been fulfiled, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Several oratorios interpreting them have been written.