Christmas Carols in Latin

During Advent and Christmas, Catholics often sing some hymns and Christmas carols in Latin – Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, Gaudete and Adeste Fideles are probably the most common. There are a few less common ones, though.

Below you’ll find ‘What Child is This?’ and ‘Silent Night’ translated into Latin, as well as a lovely traditional hymn called Pueri concinite – ‘Sing Together, Children’.

• Qualis puer qui?
• Silens nox
• Pueri concinite

I hope you enjoy this selection: the video performances are included.

Qualis Puer Qui? – What Child is This?

For the lyrics, click here

Silens Nox: Silent Night

Silens nox, sancta nox,

placida, lucida, virginem et puerum

dulcem atque tenerum,

somno opprime, somno opprime.

Silens nox, sancta nox!

Angeli nitidi “Alleluia” concinunt.

Nunc pastores metuunt.

Christus natus est, Christus natus est.

Silens nox, sancta nox,

candida, splendida!

Fili Dei facies nobis praebet novas spes.

Christus natus est, Christus natus est!

Pueri concinite – Sing Together, Children

Pueri concinite
Nato regi psallite
Voce pia dicite,
Apparuit quem genuit Maria!
Sum implenta quae praedixit Gabriel.
Eia! Eia!
Virgo Deum genuit
Quem divina voluit clementia
Hodie apparuit
Apparuit in Israel
Ex Marie virgine
Natus est Rex!
Alleluia!

Sing together children,
Praise the newborn king
In pious tones, say,
He who was born of Mary has appeared!
The word of Gabriel has been fulfilled
Rejoice! Rejoice!
The Virgin has given birth to a God
And His sweet divinity accepted it
Today he has appeared,
He appeared in Israel
To the Virgin Mary
Was born a King!
Hallelujah!