Because Latin happens to be the language of the Church, and the language of the Liturgy for 1500+ years. Because Latin is more pure then any vulgar tongue. Because it glorifies God. Because it enhances the Mystery of the sacrifice of the Altar. Because it’s use defies the very basis of modernism.
I think (and hope) you’re right. I have a hard enough time getting my kids to pay attention and sit still in mass when it’s in the vernacular. I would totally loose them in a Latin mass. I’d probably have a really hard time paying attention and feeling like I was getting anything out of it, too.
All of which is merely subjective opinion (esp. the bit about purity and glorifying God), except the FACT that Latin happens to be the official language of the Church and that it was the standard language of the liturgy for 1500 years (and even that’s not hard and fast, it was allowed in the vernacular in certain places). But, of course, you’re entitled to your subjective opinion.
I really don’t see how Latin is any more special than any other language. How does it glorify God any more than English, or any other language? The only mystery it would enhance is the mystery of most of us asking “What in the world is that guy saying up there!!!” And “How in the heck do I pronouce this word? And what on God’s Holy Earth am I saying now???”
If it came to it, it would be a “vote with your feet” thing, within a parish. Most Catholics will try a Latin Mass (I have), some will stay, most will want the vernacular (again, in my subjective opinion).
It is not that hard, go to a '62 Mass for about a month and you have it down good.
WHEN!!!
You don’t actually have to learn Latin, just assisting at a Latin Mass and following along in a missal will get you able to know what is going on.
I know too many people, Bro, who grew up then (quite old NOW, one’s from Germany) who are glad of the vernacular Mass. AND I don’t think it’s going to fly, unless the Pope forces it. Do you think he will, in the face of the opposition of bishops and a big chunk of the laity, on this, an issue that doesn’t touch on faith and morals in its substance? I think the Holy Father is way too smart for that. He’ll take the middle course, freeing up the TLM and tightening up on the Novus Ordo’s rubrics, but allowing the vernacular (which he himself called “helpful”) to continue. Then your French visitors will be able to attend the Latin Mass when they come to LA.
These bishops who oppose the universal indult and the TLM are largely the same ones who are afraid of anything that might appear the least bit orthodox (such as the liberal european clergy, such as the german bishops who wanted to do away with exorcisms). And the laity who oppose the TLM are also nominally the same ones who like the idea of married priests, and womenpriests, and putting social justice ahead of the sacraments- modernists and liberals.
Who’s opposing the TLM? I assume under the Indult, we’ll still have the vernacular Mass? I’ve no reason to oppose the TLM. I realize, sadly, that some bishops HAVE, but there’s no reason for them to do so, either. Never was one. However, if three people up in Tonapah (Nevada) want the TLM, I’m not entirely certain that our bishop, an orthodox man, becomes unorthodox for not complying. Very few attend the schismatic chapel here, for example, and another group (sedevacanteist) only hung around for a month before they went belly up.
The local schismatic chapel and the sedes of the area are not good gauges for the support of traditionalism. One does not need to be sedevacantist or schismatic to be a traditonal and orthodox Catholic.
I was merely refering to the fact (and yes, it is a fact) that in many cases support of married priests and women priests go hand-in-hand. That one is a discipline and the other is doctrine doesnt matter when it comes to what people want to believe.
**"And the laity who oppose the TLM are also nominally the same ones who like the idea of married priests, and womenpriests, and putting social justice ahead of the sacraments- modernists and liberals.
It doesn’t matter what they want!!!
Indeed!
Make no mistake, if the only Mass was in Latin, I’d go, as I was bound to go. I’m talking about a situation where there’s both Latin and vernacular masses in a parish. Some will go to the Latin Mass, but I bet that the bulk will go to the vernacular. This will be noted, ie., given the choice, I think the people will want to go to the vernacular Mass. I’m not talking about a formal poll.