Latin Controversies
The Catholic internet chat rooms and blogs are buzzing about the daily status of the anticipated Motu Proprio regarding the Tridentine Mass. In order to recover the separated Traditionalist SSPX groups, the Pope is considering lifting the requirement for priests to receive episcopal approval prior to celebrating the pre-Vatican II rite.
Many Catholics are confused about Vatican II including the issue of Latin at Mass. Vatican II's document on the Liturgy actually encouraged the continued use of Latin in the Latin-rite while additionally promoting the vernacular for parts of the Mass. Unfortunately, the Latin was largely jettisoned in the progressive excesses following the council. The Novus Ordo can be celebrated with prayers in Latin and many young priests are reviving the use of Latin at Mass.
Regrettably, the use of Latin seems to be a flashpoint among Catholics, largely between progressives and traditionalists. Progressives see the language as representing a bygone era from which we have been "liberated," while traditionalists yearn for stability after the poor translations of the ICEL crowd.
Rumors abound that groups of bishops have fought implementation of the Motu Proprio on the grounds of ecclesial unity. It seems that the Traditionalists are an unruly crowd that will be emboldened by the concession and will stir up more trouble.
It is truly unfortunate that this age of the vernacular has led to more tension and not less. It is not uncommon for parishes in the United States to have separate Masses on Sundays for Hispanic or Vietnamese populations all in the name of diversity. At the same time, it is Latin that is divisive!?
Progressive Catholics who whine about the difficulty of learning Latin have no problem analyzing their stock portfolios or earning additional academic degrees. At the same time, they insist that their children learn a foreign language in school in order to be competitive in the world of international business. But memorize a few Latin prayers...
I welcome this Motu Proprio and challenge the progressives to follow their own advice. Modern liberals love the word, "choice." Well then, let's have this alternative. I may not attend a Tridentine Mass on a regular basis, but surely contend that there will probably be more reverence than is present at a typical Life Teen Mass. Let the people vote with their feet and enough of the elitist talk denigrating the rite.
Many Catholics are confused about Vatican II including the issue of Latin at Mass. Vatican II's document on the Liturgy actually encouraged the continued use of Latin in the Latin-rite while additionally promoting the vernacular for parts of the Mass. Unfortunately, the Latin was largely jettisoned in the progressive excesses following the council. The Novus Ordo can be celebrated with prayers in Latin and many young priests are reviving the use of Latin at Mass.
Regrettably, the use of Latin seems to be a flashpoint among Catholics, largely between progressives and traditionalists. Progressives see the language as representing a bygone era from which we have been "liberated," while traditionalists yearn for stability after the poor translations of the ICEL crowd.
Rumors abound that groups of bishops have fought implementation of the Motu Proprio on the grounds of ecclesial unity. It seems that the Traditionalists are an unruly crowd that will be emboldened by the concession and will stir up more trouble.
It is truly unfortunate that this age of the vernacular has led to more tension and not less. It is not uncommon for parishes in the United States to have separate Masses on Sundays for Hispanic or Vietnamese populations all in the name of diversity. At the same time, it is Latin that is divisive!?
Progressive Catholics who whine about the difficulty of learning Latin have no problem analyzing their stock portfolios or earning additional academic degrees. At the same time, they insist that their children learn a foreign language in school in order to be competitive in the world of international business. But memorize a few Latin prayers...
I welcome this Motu Proprio and challenge the progressives to follow their own advice. Modern liberals love the word, "choice." Well then, let's have this alternative. I may not attend a Tridentine Mass on a regular basis, but surely contend that there will probably be more reverence than is present at a typical Life Teen Mass. Let the people vote with their feet and enough of the elitist talk denigrating the rite.
posted by flybynight | 7:35 AM
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