Why is Latin so important to the Catholic Church?

[Victorious]

If you want to understand why Latin is the language of the Church, Bl. John XXIII summed it up very succinctly in his apostolic constitution Veterum sapientia. Basically, he says that Latin is appropriate as the language of the Church because of its beauty, nobility, and succinctness; because it is universal; because it is not subject to the changes and vicissitudes of vernacular tongues; and because, as a non-vernacular language, it does not fuel national prejudices.

 

[dje101]

If you want to understand why Latin is the language of the Church, Bl. John XXIII summed it up very succinctly in his apostolic constitution Veterum sapientia. Basically, he says that Latin is appropriate as the language of the Church because of its beauty, nobility, and succinctness; because it is universal; because it is not subject to the changes and vicissitudes of vernacular tongues; and because, as a non-vernacular language, it does not fuel national prejudices.

So, Latin is the language of the Church in the same way that Latin is the language of the medical community. Everyone knows the words means and nothing about it changes…fair comparison?

 

[Victorious]

So, Latin is the language of the Church in the same way that Latin is the language of the medical community. Everyone knows the words means and nothing about it changes…fair comparison?

Don’t forget the beauty and nobility of Latin, and its freedom from ethnic and national prejudices. I for one am a chauvinist in favor of English when it comes to most things, but I really prefer my worship to be in Latin. If you have the opportunity to compare and contrast the vernacular Mass with the Mass in Latin – and especially the Tridentine Mass – I recommend it. (And not to side-track the thread, but if you love Scripture and particularly the Psalms, you should appreciate the Tridentine Mass, which is packed to the rafters with it.)

(P.S.: aren’t most medical terms actually Greek…?)

 

[dje101]

Don’t forget the beauty and nobility of Latin, and its freedom from ethnic and national prejudices. I for one am a chauvinist in favor of English when it comes to most things, but I really prefer my worship to be in Latin. If you have the opportunity to compare and contrast the vernacular Mass with the Mass in Latin – and especially the Tridentine Mass – I recommend it. (And not to side-track the thread, but if you love Scripture and particularly the Psalms, you should appreciate the Tridentine Mass, which is packed to the rafters with it.)

(P.S.: aren’t most medical terms actually Greek…?)

I had always thought that they were Latin. Quick Google search shows many sites that say the medical terms often have Latin AND Greek roots. So…we’re both right!

 

[ProVobis]

So, Latin is the language of the Church in the same way that Latin is the language of the medical community. Everyone knows the words means and nothing about it changes…fair comparison?

Fair enough as to its intent. Medical (anatomical actually) community uses Latin words, the legal and academic professions use Latin phrases, and the Church expresses its thoughts in Latin sentences. (As does the study of Classics.)