The Preface to the Canon of the Mass

The Priest begins the Preface, which changes according to the Proper Prayers of the day's Mass.  Where there is no Proper Preface, the following Common Preface is read:

VERE dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus: per Christum Dominum nostrum.  Per quem majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates.  Caeli, caelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant.  Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:

IT is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty and everlasting God, through Christ our Lord.  Through whom the angels praise Thy majesty, the dominions worship it, the powers stand in awe.  The heavens, and the heavenly hosts, and the blessed seraphim join together in celebrating their joy.  With whom we pray Thee join our voices also, while we say with lowly praise: