Saying Grace

Each week we have several dinners that are called "High Table Dinners."  This means that we dress formally and observe many of the dining traditions that Oxford Colleges have been performing for centuries.  The High Table is literally a table at the end of the Hall set on a dias (it is about 8-12 inches higher than the rest of the Hall).  Dinner begins with Grace said in Latin by the President of the Program.  Due to scheduling considerations, tonight I presided!

Here is the Grace I gave "In Collegio Divi Ioannis Baptistae Quotidie Ante Mensam Dicenda" or "In the College of Saint John the Baptist to be said every day before the Table":

Benedict, Domine, nos et haec Tua dona, quae de Tua largitate sumus sumpturi.  Per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum.  AMEN.

(Blessed, O Lord, us and these Your gifts, which from Your bounty we are about to receive. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.)

 Before the closing Grace Ross wanted to lead the group in celebrating Independence Day:

Then I concluded dinner with the Closing Grace:

Benedicto benedicatur.  Per Jesum Christum dominum nostrum. AMEN.

(Let grace be given to/by the Blessed One. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.)