Two Questions About Using Latin In Mass

Fr. J.C. Aguirre addresses a few common objections to using Latin at Mass. Fr. Aguirre isn’t speaking specifically about the Tridentine Mass, but rather, integrating Latin into vernacular Masses. His questions are ones that a lot of parishioners have: Is it true that the Church did away with the use of Latin in the Mass? and Does the use of Latin during Mass keep people from Active Participation at Mass? I think his answers are worth a read. I don’t have much to add to his excellent responses, except to say that I think worship should challenge us, and if it doesn’t inspire us to do and say things that are deeper than things we do on a regular basis, then what is the point? It wouldn’t hurt Catholics to connect more to our heritage by learning a little bit of Latin (or even Greek or Hebrew for that matter!).

This entry was posted on Friday, May 8th, 2009 at 6:09 am and is filed under Liturgy and Worship. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Two Questions About Using Latin In Mass”

  1. Nicene Hobbit Says:
    May 9, 2009 at 9:59 pm | Reply

    In my own parish some of the unchangeable parts of the Mass are in Latin at certain times of the year. MOST people not only do not mind but find it gives real dignity to the Holy Sacrifice.
    Of course there are a few who have nasty little comments to make…usually the very liberal folks, most of whom are stuck in the 1960s and ’70s. (By the way, they are of my generation…but I do not share their liberalism.)
    Also, when we do use Latin, the melodies are simple but oh so singable and I notice that almost everyone in the Church sings along with the choir.

  2. papaz Says:
    May 11, 2009 at 12:21 pm | Reply

    At my parish, we frequently sing the Agnus Dei in Latin (a simple chant tone) during the Sunday masses and on weekday masses, especially on feasts or solemnities, we frequently sing the Gloria and the Sanctus in Latin as well. And this is in what is certainly a “middle-of-the-road” “Novus Ordo” parish.

    It is also not unusual for us to use Latin for a Eucharistic hymn, a Marian hymn, etc.

    It seems that my experience dovetails with the Nicene Hobbit.

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