Lux Aeterna is a Gregorian chant hymn closely associated with the Requiem Mass—the Mass for the dead. The tone is quiet and restrained, with the text calling the listeners and singers into a prayer for the soul of the departed, remembering that for the faithful, they have now advance toward “eternal light.”
It does not describe death but instead lifts the heart, mind, body, and spirit above the turmoil of this life, containing in it neither joy or sorrow at the level of emotion, but instead deep peace and confidence in a world beyond what we see.
Listen to the chant here:
(This is my version of the Gregorian chant Lux Aeterna from my Cassia & Myrrh Catholic project, and you can find my free full Gregorian chant album with PDF guide at the end of this article.)
Latin Text (Common Liturgical Form)
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum,
quia pius es.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
English Translation
May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord,
with your saints forever,
for you are merciful.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
What “Lux Aeterna” Means
The phrase lux aeterna means “eternal light.” It is not symbolic in a vague sense but refers to the hope of lasting life in the presence of God, the truest form of light to ever exist; this eternal light is not a symbolic derivative of earthly light but instead all forms of light in this life are derivative of that perfect, eternal light in Heaven.
The chant does not keep the mind and heart in this life but instead asks for mercy for the soul of the person who has passed so they may receive the deepest rest possible in the God forever.
What to Listen for
The Lux Aeterna chant does not build or resolve in a dramatic way. It remains steady from beginning to end, keeping an other-worldly peace that the text itself calls upon. Like all Gregorian chant, it extends the words into a breathing kind of melody that ministers to the heart and soul, inviting us into a deep contemplation of the mysteries of our faith, the possibility of eternal life, and hope for the soul who has passed.
Catholic Kind: Catholic Music & Culture Resource 
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