Ask Father: De Profundis

Dear Father: I watch TV rosaries and at the end they say a special prayer and above it says ‘De Profundis’? What does that mean?

Dear friend in Christ,

“De Profundis” means “out of the depths” in Latin. It is a reference to the first line of Psalm 130, which I’ve included for you here. This Psalm is usually said for the souls of those who have died.

Psalm 130: De profundis. A prayer of a sinner, trusting in the mercies of God. The sixth penitential psalm.

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;

Lord, hear my voice!

Let Your ears be attentive

to my voice in supplication:

If You, O Lord, mark iniquities,

Lord, who can stand?

But with You is forgiveness,

that You may be revered.

I trust in the Lord;

my soul trusts in His word.

My soul waits for the Lord

more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

More than sentinels wait for the dawn,

let Israel wait for the Lord.

For with the Lord is kindness,

and with Him is plenteous redemption;

And He will redeem Israel