Is Latin an impediment to comprehending the Mass?

[jmcrae]

I think they are great for instruction so people can learn what the prayers mean and what is going on in the Mass, but I would think they are a distraction during Mass.

I agree. One becomes tempted to “read along” which defeats the primary purpose of the Mass, which is to join our prayers with that of the priest in anticipation and thanksgiving of Christ coming among us on the Altar.

Just in my own humble opinion, it seems better to pray impertectly than to understand perfectly, if we must have a choice between the two.

 

[BobP123]

From the research I’ve been doing on the history of liturgical reform, even a Missal printed with the vernacular translation is not necessary and perhaps even improper. I think they are great for instruction so people can learn what the prayers mean and what is going on in the Mass, but I would think they are a distraction during Mass.

It’s difficult at first to force yourself to read just the Latin side but it can be done as a habit. Of course the parts of the Mass that are audible you probably don’t need to read.

Or, as some people I know, they’ve memorized entire sections of the TLM. :coffeeread: Not a bad thing.

 

[Adonis33]

FIrst, I voted no.
Bob P, Your comments remimded me of this.

Great story