Following are the classic Catholic mealtime prayers, said before and after meals. Along with the English translation, the Latin version is included here, as many Catholic families are discovering that teaching children these very short prayers in Latin is a good way to introduce them to the traditional universal language of the Catholic Church that is part of every Catholic’s heritage.

Catholics begin and end these prayers by making the sign of the cross while pronouncing the doxology (“In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”)

BLESSING BEFORE MEALS

Bénedic, Dómine, nos et haec
tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi.
Per Christum  Dóminum nostrum. Amen.

***

Bless us, O Lord, and these
thy gifts which we are about
to receive from thy bounty,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS

Ágimus tibi gratias, omnípotens Deus,
pro universis beneficiis tuis,
qui vivis et regnas in
sæcula sæculórum. Amen.

Deus det nobis suam pacem.
Et vitam æternum. Amen.

alternate conclusion:
Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei,
requiescant in pace. Amen.

***

We give thee thanks, almighty God,
for all your benefits,
who livest and reignest forever
and ever. Amen.

May the Lord grant us His peace.
And life everlasting. Amen.

Alternate conclusion:
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God
rest in peace. Amen