Libera me

"Libera me" is a Latin phrase meaning "Deliver me." It is most commonly associated with the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead), where it forms the incipit and title of a responsory.

The "Libera me" responsory is traditionally sung during the Absolution of the Dead, the final part of the Requiem Mass where the body is symbolically freed from the bonds of death and commended to God's mercy. It is a plea for deliverance from eternal death on the Day of Judgment.

The text of the "Libera me" draws primarily from the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse) and the Book of Daniel in the Bible. It reflects themes of fear, trembling, divine judgment, and the hope of salvation.

The "Libera me" has been set to music by many composers, including notable versions by Gabriel Fauré, Giuseppe Verdi, Anton Bruckner, and Krzysztof Penderecki. These musical settings are often powerful and dramatic, reflecting the intensity of the text's themes. The responsory is also chanted in Gregorian chant.

Beyond the liturgical context, the phrase "Libera me" can be used more broadly to express a desire for freedom or deliverance from any oppressive or threatening situation. It conveys a sense of urgency and dependence on a higher power or force for rescue.