Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. But what does it mean? It is a sobering thought, as the annual inebriation with the “spirit of Christmas” approaches once more, that the entire edifice of seasonal goodwill may be built on a mistranslation of these Latin words.
22 December 2022, The Tablet
The journey to peace may be through conflict
Something from outside is needed to curb the violent excesses of which human nature is capable.
Goodwill to all men. Or should it be, peace to all men of goodwill?
Photo by Mazur/cbcew.org.uk from the carol service at St George’s, Southwark.
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