Language and Mass

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linguistic_nerd

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Is their any documents from the Vatican which regulate the use of the vernacular language in the Novus Ordo mass ?

Also, is it okay if the priest switch from one language ( ex. English to another ) in the mass or is it strictly implied that one language should be used in the mass ?

Thanks !
 
Not sure what the “Novus Ordo mass” means, but in the Mass of Paul VI, I know of no restrictions to leave it in a single vernacular. I know that at my parish (served by the OFM), on Holy Days of Obligation masses are offered in English and Spanish, but because we have a rather diverse community, and evening mass is offered using English, Vietnamese, Somoan, Spanish, and Tagalog, and I have no reason to believe or worry that the mass is illicit or invalid.
 
I could just see this in the early days of the Church… Saint Peter in Rome using Greek during mass but then saying a few words in Latin for the locals… People in the Church mumbling to each other… “Is he allowed to do that?”

-Friday morning humor
 
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linguistic_nerd said:
Also, is it okay if the priest switch from one language ( ex. English to another ) in the mass or is it strictly implied that one language should be used in the mass ?
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I am sure there is no rule that says only one vernacular language can be used at Mass in the Ordinary Form. However, only vernacular languages approved for liturgical use by the Holy See can be used. I am fairly certain, but not absolutely sure, that Mass, or any liturgy, may only be celebrated in a vernacular language that has been approved for use in that country. For example, Welsh is approved as a liturgical language but I don’t think Mass in Welsh can be celebrated just anywhere.
 
I know Canada has two official translations of the Roman Missal, English and French, but I also know that Mass is celebrated in at least one indigenous language in my diocese. Is this an official, Vatican approved, translation? From what I know of its history, I’ve got my doubts.
 
linguistic_nerd said:
Also, is it okay if the priest switch from one language ( ex. English to another ) in the mass or is it strictly implied that one language should be used in the mass ?
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I’ve been to masses that were said in Latin, the songs were in Irish Gaelic and the homily was in English.
 
Phemie said:
I know Canada has two official translations of the Roman Missal, English and French, but I also know that Mass is celebrated in at least one indigenous language in my diocese. Is this an official, Vatican approved, translation? From what I know of its history, I’ve got my doubts.
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From my understanding it is the bishops that approve translations, not the Vatican. It should be much easier for the local bishop to find somebody to check the translation than for somebody in the Vatican.

Of course the Vatican can provide guidance on how the approvals should work.
 
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Just the other day I saw “Vetus Ordo”. I don’t think it was here at CAF, but wherever it was, the writer was clearly using the term in all seriousness, without any derogatory or sneering overtones. I believe the term “Vetus Ordo” was never used in any official Vatican document, but I could be wrong about that.
 
whatistrue said:
Why should they be when there is not a currently approved form of the Mass officially known as “Novus Ordo”?
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I was referring to the fact that everyone knows “Novus Ordo” is a common way to refer to the Mass of Paul VI - even if an argument could be made that it only refers to the first edition.
 
And many people believe that using that designation is a common way to denigrate the Ordinary Form of the Mass. Some who habitually use it don’t intend it that way; some do, and I make no assertions either way about any specific individual.
 
BartholomewB said:
I believe the term “Vetus Ordo” was never used in any official Vatican document, but I could be wrong about that.
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Probably not, although technically the Mass of 33AD could be referred to as the Vetus Ordo. Or Novus Ordo of that period. 🙂
 
I doubt the Vatican would have a linguist specializing in a language spoken by a few thousand people in one diocese in Northern Canada. Having the Bishop of the day approve a translation by a missionary who lives and ministers to several of those communities makes a lot more sense.
 
Yes, I remember @Don_Ruggero well. I learned a lot from his posts. I can’t say I remember him using the term Vetus Ordo, but if he did, then it’s certainly good enough for me!
 
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