Why the quiet bits?

[Catholig]

Why are there silent parts in the Traditional Latin Mass? This means that for the up until the 1800s even those who knew Latin wouldn’t have been able to understand the petitions made by the priest unless they had access to a priest’s Missal (altar missal).

Catholig

 

[ChristopherM]

Here is what the side bar says in my Missal

I cant think of a better answer…

From All time the cannon has been recited silently. The congregation present can contribute nothing to the sacrificial act itself; the people are present before a mystery which it is for the consecrated priest alone to accomplish. The Priest has entered alone into the holy of holies to pray and offer sacrifice for the whole church

 

[AJV]

Here is what the side bar says in my Missal

I cant think of a better answer…

Actually no, not “from all time”, the Canon was initially recited aloud (and still is at Ordinations though this is from a practical point of view).

 

[kleary]

Why are there silent parts in the Traditional Latin Mass? This means that for the up until the 1800s even those who knew Latin wouldn’t have been able to understand the petitions made by the priest unless they had access to a priest’s Missal (altar missal).

Catholig

In Chapter 5 the Council of Trent stated that human nature requires external signs in order to raise the spirit to divine things. For that reason the Church has introduced certain rites and signs: silent or vocal prayer, blessings, candles, incense, vestments, et cetera. Many of these signs have their origins in apostolic prescriptions or tradition.
Through these visible signs of faith and piety, the nature of the sacrifice is underscored. The signs strengthen and encourage the faithful in their meditation on the divine elements contained in the sacrifice of the Mass. To safeguard this doctrine, Canon 7 threatens with excommunication all those who consider these external signs as inducing impiety instead of piety.

Along with that, the priest prays some prayers in silence because they are directed purposely for God’s ears alone and not ours. Even in the Canon of the Mass…when I was Master of Ceremonies…when the priest would whisper the names of the dead at the appointed time in the Canon…I am directed to step back in order not to even hear their names. Even the names of the living who are prayed for in the Canon I am required to take a step back from the altar in order to avoid hearing them.

I will leave it at that…(No Virginia…Canon 7 does not include the Novus Ordo Missae but the practices of the TLM)

Ken