A Little Latin: Lesson 3

In our last lesson, we explored how Latin uses cases to show relationships between words, such as “Patris” (of the Father) in the Sign of the Cross. Now we turn to another key aspect of Latin: its flexible but intentional word order. Unlike English, where meaning is mostly determined by strict word order (subject–verb–object), Latin depends on word endings to show who is doing what to whom. For example, both “Deus amat hominem” and “Hominem amat Deus” mean “God loves man,” because Deus (nominative case) is the subject, and hominem (accusative case) is the object. This freedom allows Latin to place the verb at the end for emphasis or poetic rhythm, which is common in Church prayers and hymns.

To see this in action, learn and reflect on this traditional Latin maxim:
“Serva ordinem et ordo servabit te.”
“Keep order, and order will keep you.”

This phrase is a favorite in monastic and scholastic tradition—reminding us that discipline in life and prayer leads to peace and strength. Notice how “Serva” is a command (“keep”), “ordinem” is the object (accusative), and “ordo” becomes the subject in the second clause. Latin’s structure allows the words to shift without losing clarity.

As a Catholic man, learning Latin deepens your connection to the liturgy and strengthens your intellect. Let its ordered structure shape your thoughts—and your life. “Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!”