Latin is no longer a well-known language, even in the Church, few people know it. It’s not quite dead, but it’s far from common. After Vatican II, even many of the priest never went through any formation in Latin. In the US, it has become more important to learn other heavily used languages like Spanish to be able to do everyday ministry.
The Language of the Church
The Church still uses Latin as its official language, and Vatican II actually intended to keep parts of it as an integral to our worship. Sadly, it has become a rarity.
“. . .the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.”
-Sacrosanctum Concilium, #36
There are some Latin words and phrases every Catholic should know. One of my favorites is Lex orandi, lex credendi roughly translated to the “the way we worship”), and the law of belief (“what we believe”). It speaks a beautiful truth, our prayer can only come as an expression of what we believe. If we truly believe in the heavenly realities of our prayer in the Mass, then we have to understand that the celebration of the sacrifice goes beyond us.
New and Old Mass Forms
Extraordinary Form at St Mary Cathedral
Sometimes, the Traditional Latin Mass can be a little intimidating or seem too secluded from the rest of the Church. We are creatures of habit, and this celebration is very different.
Even if it’s uncomfortable in the beginning, it is good for all Catholics to experience the extraordinary form at some point. Even a daily mass Catholic can feel confused, so there are useful tips to consider before attending. Like the majority of Catholics today, I feel most comfortable in the Ordinary Form, the Holy Mass that we are familiar with today and don’t think it’s going away.
The ordinary form, that uses more of the vernacular, was also reformed in order to engage the laity more, and that is personally one of my favorite parts. What is often so attractive about the Tridentine (Traditional Latin) Mass, is that there is an instant awareness that the events occurring are sacred. It does not belong to the everyday world.
As Mass Begins Bishop Joe Vásquez Incenses the Altar at St William
Some people claim that this is why the Extraordinary Form (Tridentine) is more reverent, but I believe that the Ordinary Form can have equal dignity and reverence if celebrated well. Using so much Latin isn’t necessary, but adding it in the parts that are more familiar is a great way to reintroduce it.
Using can seem intimidating, but it’s not scary. I encourage you to give it a try.
Ordinary and Extraordinary Latin Masses June 2015
Sunday June 21, 2015 – St Mary’s Cathedral
2015 FSSP Ordinations
Father Michael Malain of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter will celebrate a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form June 21 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. The Mass is celebrated in thanksgiving for Father Malain’s recent ordination. A reception will immediately follow in the Bishop’s Hall. For more information, visit www.austinlatinmass.org.
There is a regular 3:30 Sunday Mass celebrated in the Extraordinary form at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Nativity of John the Baptist
Wednesday June 24, 2015 – St William Catholic Church
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24 with a Latin Mass in the Ordinary Form at 7PM. The Mass will have an English Liturgy of the Word and the familiar parts of Mass in Latin. Fr. Uche Ande will be the celebrant. All are invited.
Hey Cristobal. Interesting post. I have heard that a lot of young Catholics especially are really finding the Latin Mass enriching in their spiritual lives. Question, I have a lot of Catholics in my practice who, for various reasons, are not connected with their faith communities. Several are interested in coming back and I want to help lead them in the right directions.Would you recommend their attending Latin Mass, or would you think attending services in the vernacular would be a better place to start? Several of them read this post, so your input would be appreciated. Thanks, Cristobal. I’ll just let them read this. Grace and Peace.
Yes, I think there is a hunger for something a generation has been missing that the generations before it have always had.
I believe the Mass is the Mass with Jesus present at all of them. If they’re interested in a Latin Mass, it could be a moving experience. It could also just be distracting, in which case, would point them going to one in the vernacular.
Pax
Thanks, Cristobal. Very helpful.
We had a Latin Mass in the Ordinary Form for the Feast of St. Andrew when I was in college. It was exactly like going to Mass in any other language you don’t speak. We had optional chant practice for several weeks beforehand so that we could sing along like we would in English. An Ordinary Form Mass in Latin is a good stepping stone for people who aren’t quite ready for the Extraordinary Form (which many people unhelpfully call “the Latin Mass”).
That’s helpful too, Lindsay. I am familiar enough with Ordinary Form Mass and Extraordinary Form, but most Catholics I have known call it “The Latin Mass” for some reason. I learn something new every day! This also helps my clients, too, because they worry about “saying it wrong”.
Well, I wouldn’t say “Latin Mass” is *wrong*, per se. It’s not as clear as “Extraordinary Form,” though. That name tells you right away that it’s going to be unusual, a.k.a. not what you’ll usually find!