Deo Gratias: The Catholic Mindset

What is Deo Gratias?

Deo Gratias isn't a commonly used term outside of traditional circles; most people don't even speak Latin anymore. The phrase Deo Gratias is Latin for Thanks be to God and is the mindset all Catholics should develop.

Deo Gratias means to thank our Lord and Maker. He has given us everything — our very existence depends on His will. This mentality encapsulates the essence of gratitude in our Catholic faith. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives, no matter how small.

How do I practice Deo Gratias?

However, Deo Gratias doesn't just apply to the good times. It is important to thank our Lord in times of grief and hardship. Whether it be sickness or an injury or the death of a loved one, as hard as it may be, we must thank Him in joy and in sorrow.

Why?

We thank Him because everything we undergo is all part of His plan for our lives. These tears we may cry, these trials we face are all there to make us saints.

A woman in my parish told me this story: 'There was a priest who was called to the hospital to give a dying man his last rites, but he wasn't able to arrive before this man passed from this life. He reached the hospital, and the door to the man's room was opened by one of his family members. "He died." She said with tears in her eyes. "Deo Gratias".

This beautiful woman, instead of growing angry at the priest for not getting there fast enough or at our Lord, thanked Him. This, dear readers, is the mentality to develop. To thank God in hardship for it is His Divine plan for us.

What End Are You Aiming For?

You don't get to heaven by doing the bare minimum here on earth. That same wise woman I know said this: 'If you aim for Purgatory, you'll go to Hell, but if Heaven is your goal, the very least you'll achieve is Purgatory.'

These words rang true in my heart and caused me to deeply reflect on my life. 'Where was I aiming for?' I pondered. It didn't take me long to shamefully conclude that it was not Heaven.

This is where I advise you, dear readers, to evaluate where you're aiming for, because aiming for Purgatory will not be enough to save your soul from eternal damnation.

Being a Catholic and having the Faith alone is in itself a grace from our Lord and should not be treated lightly, with merely aiming for Purgatory. That in itself is a wrong to confess. It is the same as committing a sin and saying, "It's alright, God will forgive me as long as I go to confession." That is a sin and is a grave abuse of our Lord's bountiful love and mercy.

The Examples of The Saints

It is important to know we are not the first to experience suffering, and we won't be the last. Whenever we feel our burden is too great and we can't find the strength to proclaim Deo Gratias,

We must turn to the saints and those who have already achieved the happiness of beholding our Lord.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was no stranger to suffering. She knew at the moment of the Annunciation that she was to endure profound suffering. At the presentation, Saint Simeon prophesied to Mary, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Mary watched as her son was adored by many during his ministry and then stood with him as he carried his heavy cross up Calvary. Mary felt every pain and every sorrow that our Lord did during his passion and death. Mary is the Co-Redeemer of the world, due to her suffering and her 'yes' to God. Mary is the perfect role model for all who seek to adopt the mindset of Deo Gratias.

The Saint I shall mention, Saint Padre Pio, a profound example of one who lived the phrase Deo Gratias. Saint Padre Pio was a holy man, bearer of the Stigmata and humble friar and priest, and he endured immense suffering as a Stigmatist. He joined the Capuchins when he was fifteen and spent most of his religious life in the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. He was known throughout his life for numerous instances of supernatural phenomena, most notably the stigmata upon his hands and feet. Several investigations into the phenomenon were conducted by the Holy See, and while they led to temporary sanctions on his ministry, his reputation continued to increase during his life.

Conclusion

Deo Gratias is more than a phrase — it is the anthem of the faithful soul. It’s what separates lukewarm hearts from burning ones, resignation from true surrender. The saints didn’t reach Heaven by comfort or convenience, but by trust born through suffering.

When we thank God in every cross, we declare our allegiance to Him over our own will.

If we truly wish to become saints, we must learn to say Deo Gratias in everything — in pain, in joy, in loss, in triumph. For one day, when we stand before our Creator and behold the reason behind every tear, we will say with perfect love, Deo Gratias — thanks be to God forever.

That’s all for now, my dear readers. Thank you so much for joining me here. May you find the courage to thank God in every cross and blessing. I’m keeping you in my prayers — Deo Gratias!

Maya Sheppard