Ite missa est is a versicle in the Roman Catholic Church sung at the end of the Latin Mass. Its meaning has generated some controversy, but was usually translated as Go, it is the dismissal. In modern times, however, it is generally translated as The Mass is ended, go in peace. The Latin response to it is Deo Gratias (Thanks Be to God). As one can observe, the Ite missa est is a short chant typically lasting a mere half-minute or so, unless the singers repeat portions of the text to extend the versicle's length. The melody most often chosen for it is the same one used for the Kyrie, which occurs at the beginning of the liturgy, thereby imparting a unity to the chant in framing both ends of the mass with the same melody. But other themes have also been used for the Ite missa est, most often short, motif-like creations of a bright, celebratory character. The Kyrie themes used for this chant also generally have a radiant manner, quite noticeably so in the closing portion (Thanks Be to God).

© Robert Cummings, Rovi