Vere dignum et iustum est(Latin) It is truly fitting and just.[1] Father Conmee's pun on Paddy Dignam's surname is taken from the opening phrases of the various Prefaces that are intoned as part of the Eucharistic Prayer in the Catholic Tridentine Mass. After the introductory response, most prefaces continue, Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutare, nos tibi semper et ubique gratias agere: Domine, sancte Pater, omnipotens æterne Deus (It is truly fitting and just, right and for our salvation, always and everywhere to give Thee thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God.).[2]
The words Father Conmee quotes also occur in the Exultet or Easter Proclamation, which Stephen invoked at 050.04-05.
