Why was et cum spiritu tuo used in Latin mass?

Answer 1

Oh, dude, it's like when you're at a party and someone says, "Peace be with you," and you're supposed to reply with, "And also with you." So, in Latin mass, when the priest says, "Et cum spiritu tuo," it's just the fancy way of saying, "And also with you." It's like the old-school version of a spiritual high-five.

Answer 2

The phrase 'et cum spiritu tuo' means 'and with your spirit'.

This was used in Latin mass, after a sentence which said to the people that 'The Lord is with you', then to the priest, 'and with your spirit'.

To focus on the spirit, however, does not downplay the full person of the priest (who is, of course, body and soul together, like us all). It is meant to focus on the Spirit of God being present in the celebrant. A good explanation can be found here: