Catholic Hymns You Should Know: Ubi Caritas

Katherine Prezioso

Catholic Hymns You Should Know: Ubi Caritas

Ubi Caritas is a beautiful hymn focused on the love of God. It is traditionally one of the antiphons to be sung during Holy Thursday Mass during the washing of the feet. Some say it was written as early as the 4th century, or perhaps during the later “Dark Ages,” but it seems that we may never have certain answers about the origins of this beautiful hymn. 

Many Catholics may be unaware that this hymn is traditionally a Gregorian chant, as in more recent decades, the Taize community adopted the first few lines of the hymn for the now popular mediative repetitive singing of just the first line. 

To hear the entire hymn chanted, listen here or read the translation below: 

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.

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.