Responding in Latin at NO Mass

[Sure]

I hate to tell you this Papa. but the OFFICIAL version of the Mass **IS **in Latin. By responding in Latin, you are responding in the language that the Mass is written in. How can that be wrong? It can’t.

It would seem when an approved vernacular version of the Mass is being said, one should respond according to what is specified in the missal for that version.

If we turned it around…would it be permissible to respond in English at a Mass said in Latin?

 

[drforjc]

Apparently, then, non-English speaking Hispanics cannot respond at all at masses celebrated in English.
Or any other situation where the churchgoer does not speak the language the mass is being offered in.

My suggestion- you may as long as it does not cause too much confusion. I would suggest a fairly low tone of voice.

 

[Sure]

Apparently, then, non-English speaking Hispanics cannot respond at all at masses celebrated in English.
Or any other situation where the churchgoer does not speak the language the mass is being offered in.

Perhaps that would be an exception?

 

[drforjc]

Perhaps that would be an exception?

Wouldn’t that cause confusion, especially if there were significant numbers? The point I’m making is that I while I see the need to avoid significant confusion, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to restrict it in the first place.
Common sense would seem to suggest that you avoid disrupting the overall mass’s language, but I can’t see any reason for mandating it down to the individual level to the point where you have to start making exceptions for this or that circumstance.

 

[palmas85]

It would seem when an approved vernacular version of the Mass is being said, one should respond according to what is specified in the missal for that version.

If we turned it around…would it be permissible to respond in English at a Mass said in Latin?

Why not? I’m sure that God would understand it.

 

[Seeker1963]

I think, many are missing the point: personally, I believe it to be uncharitable to behave in any manner which is disruptive, be it whispering, or loud whispering,wearing inappropriate clothing, rattling keys or pocket change, or responding in another language–(when you can speak the one being used).

Perhaps the OP could just attend a Latin mass only, if possible.
In my parish, there are Spanish masses, and Korean masses, and English masses, etc…and if I needed to attend a non English speaking mass I would respond silently. I personally, do not want to be responsible for disrupting anyone else—I believe I will be answerable for that too.

–where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found–
Seeker

 

[Sure]

Why not? I’m sure that God would understand it.

And I’m sure He would understand it if you paraphrased it in your own words or spoke ebonics. But God understanding it isn’t the point. Celebrating the liturgy as given to us by the Church is the point.

 

[m134e5]

I am curious to see what the opinions are about responding at Mass quietly in Latin (when the Mass is said in English). I have started doing this mainly because I feel more reverent by doing so. I am not a big fan of the ICEL’s translation in many parts of the Mass, so I feel that this keeps me truer to the intent since Latin is the normative language of the Mass and since all other translations come from this… basically, it feels more original and more pure to me, if that makes sense. I don’t do it to make a statement (although I would not mind if others did hear me) … I do it to make me feel closer to Christ. Does anyone else do this?

Thanks!!

It is fine if you do it VERY quietly (as in, nobody else can hear you). When I hear people doing this, it makes me think they just want attention.

 

[Isidore_AK]

Just a thought, but a little Latin being whispered from the side might just be a good thing…I think that people are too used to Mass in the vernacular…it becomes a recitation…without ever engaging the brain.

A good example…last week at the Sunday evening Mass (a Novus Ordo, no music) we had a small issue…somehow while reciting the Gloria, we ended up jumping into the Credo. I have no Idea how it happened, but all of a sudden I realized my voice wasn’t ‘synching’ with everyone else’s…I looked up and the priest was trying to stifle his laughter…

Perhaps a little Latin whispered quietly would make those nearby actually have to think about what they are saying…

 

[palmas85]

And I’m sure He would understand it if you paraphrased it in your own words or spoke ebonics. But God understanding it isn’t the point. Celebrating the liturgy as given to us by the Church is the point.

The Liturgy is given to us by the Church is in Latin. Check it out if you don’t believe me. It is a universal language. Each and every Liturgical document that comes out of Rome is in Latin. How could a person making the responses in Latin disrupt anything at all? Your statement about the OP maybe attending a Latin Mass was pretty provocative actually. By your definition then a Spanish speaker or a Tagalog speaker like me:thumbsup: who responds in our language at an English language Mass is creating a disruption. Yes or no?

Of course it could be that what you are really saying is that responding in Latin would cause a disruption, which is actually kind of where I think you are coming from. And if you are one of the avowed Latin haters, thats cool, there are a lot of others just like you. Just be honest about it.

 

[Seeker1963]

The Liturgy is given to us by the Church is in Latin. Check it out if you don’t believe me. It is a universal language. Each and every Liturgical document that comes out of Rome is in Latin. How could a person making the responses in Latin disrupt anything at all? Your statement about the OP maybe attending a Latin Mass was pretty provocative actually. By your definition then a Spanish speaker or a Tagalog speaker like me:thumbsup: who responds in our language at an English language Mass is creating a disruption. Yes or no?

Of course it could be that what you are really saying is that responding in Latin would cause a disruption, which is actually kind of where I think you are coming from. And if you are one of the avowed Latin haters, thats cool, there are a lot of others just like you. Just be honest about it.

Good evening Palmas,
Actually I was the one who suggested the OP attend a Latin Mass if he felt more devout responding in Latin. I am not a “Latin hater” by any means. I think you assume quite abit with that statement. No one has said anything remotely indicating a hatred of the official language of our Church. I think it is uncharitable to suggest another member is a “hater” of anything.

I know…why don’t we all just respond any way we like and continue to place our desires above the needs of our neighbors…yeah, thats a good idea…I’m sure that will work out.

 

[palmas85]

Good evening Palmas,
Actually I was the one who suggested the OP attend a Latin Mass if he felt more devout responding in Latin. I am not a “Latin hater” by any means. I think you assume quite abit with that statement. No one has said anything remotely indicating a hatred of the official language of our Church. I think it is uncharitable to suggest another member is a “hater” of anything.

I know…why don’t we all just respond any way we like and continue to place our desires above the needs of our neighbors…yeah, thats a good idea…I’m sure that will work out.

Calling me uncharitable doesn’t work, sorry. What are the needs of the community that require me to respond in the same language they do? If you can explain that I would really appreciate it.

 

[Sure]

The Liturgy is given to us by the Church is in Latin. Check it out if you don’t believe me. It is a universal language. Each and every Liturgical document that comes out of Rome is in Latin. How could a person making the responses in Latin disrupt anything at all? Your statement about the OP maybe attending a Latin Mass was pretty provocative actually. By your definition then a Spanish speaker or a Tagalog speaker like me:thumbsup: who responds in our language at an English language Mass is creating a disruption. Yes or no?

Of course it could be that what you are really saying is that responding in Latin would cause a disruption, **which is actually kind of where I think you are coming from. And if you are one of the avowed Latin haters, thats cool, there are a lot of others just like you. ** Just be honest about it.

Wow. You really don’t know me.

I am fully aware that Latin is the language of the Church and that all documents are promulgated in it. I have no desire to see Latin go away and would completely oppose any change to Latin being the official language of the Church. It should also be used much more throughout the liturgy. Here’s a tip, respond to what I write, rather than your personal delusions of what I might believe.

My point was that when a Mass is being said we should give the responses that are called for. Unity in the congregation is a good thing and if possible ought to be preserved. Now, certainly if a Spanish speaking man is at an English Mass and can only respond in Spanish, he should (without trying to be disruptive). However, if one is attending an English Mass and speaks English, he should respond in English with the congregation. Also, if a man is attending a Mass in Latin, he should respond in Latin and not in English. The priest is not the only one who should be required to “say the black and do the red.”