Laudetur Jesus Christus or Laudetur Iesus Christus (Latin: Praised be Jesus Christ) is a traditional Roman Catholic greeting, which is commonly used among members of religious communities, especially of certain ethnic backgrounds.[1] The answer to this greeting is typically "In sæcula! Amen"[2] ("Forever! Amen") or "(Nunc et) in aeternum! Amen" ("(Now and) forever! Amen"). The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, however, respond with "Et Maria Immaculata" ("And Mary Immaculate").[3] The phrase is also a motto of Vatican Radio.[4]
The use of the greeting in traditional Catholicism is noted by Pius Parsch:
"The humanity of Christ is near in the priest. The simple Catholic people have kept this belief: 'Praised be Jesus Christ' they say whenever the priest comes."[5]
The salutation is also commonly used by other Christian denominations, including Lutherans and other Protestants, as well as some Eastern Churches.