And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord:
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
“Hosanna,” however, is a word of supplicating, as some say who know the Hebrew language, more declaring a feeling than signifying something. Just as in the Latin language there are words which we call interjections, as when in sorrow we say, Heu! Or when we are delighted, we say, Vah! Or when we are amazed, we say, “Oh, what a great thing!” For then oh signifies nothing except the feeling of one who is amazed.
They that went before, were the prophets; and they that come after, are the apostles. (St. Jerome)
All these voluntary offerings were grateful to our divine Saviour; so are the like offerings made to him in the blessed sacrament. (Bristow)
The boys in the Gospel raised aloft their branches as the Savior entered Jerusalem. They kept on crying: “Hosanna.” … They borrowed these versicles from Psalm Hosanna,moreover, is the Hebrew for “O Lord, grant salvation!” Homilies
