Catholics, what do you think of the Pope's decision on the Latin Rite?

Question

Our Holy Father decided allow the Tradional Latin Rite back into mass. Now, before you get upset, it's not every mass, every time and each diocese can approve of how much that mass is used. Honestly, I only forsee it used for special masses during Lent and Advent.

I think it'll be cool to see the old Tradional Mass. What do you think?

And please, if this question does not pertain to you, do not use this as an oppertunity to degrade or insult another's faith. Thank you.

Answer 1

as i understand it, the english translation got somewhat "lost in translation" and many felt every mass was to be in the latin, as you have correctly pointed out it would be for more special masses, all are important don't get me wrong but in the liturgical year we see lent etc having special importance. i welcome this, i see it as a learning experience that all can benefit from.

one thing i especially liked is moving the "sign of peace" prior to the the offertory. i agree that the sign of peace is positioned in a place that can distract people, it distracts some from the pinnacle of the eucharist and eucharistic devotion, it also calls to mind for all to be reconciled before offering gifts at the altar based on matt. 5:23-24. good question and thanks. god bless.
i have never experienced the old mass my father has, but it is all in the spirit so whatever outcome i eagerly await it.

Answer 2

I am old enough to remember masses being said in latin exclusively. It is a very different experience indeed. If you do not understand latin you will not initially know what is going on, but will soon get it. It sounds very, very different to what you are used now. It would be good if you can get the text and study it. During the times mass was said in latin the priest faced the altar (with his back toward the congreagation, similar to an imam leading prayers). I think the latin mass sounds mysterious and different. Latin is a very poetic language and it is recited more than spoken. It will almost sound to you like Gregorian chant when you experience it first time. I think you will be fascinated by hearing the mass said in latin. I can not wait to hear one myself. It will remind me of my childhood.Since the traditional text in latin contains a plea to "remove the veil from the eyes of Jews" and asks for their conversion, the Pope's decision has already been attacked by the Anti Defamation league and Jewish religious authorities. To me, the call for conversion of Jews is not at all controversial, it is a plea, not a call to arms.

Answer 3

*Is Catholic*

*Is Catholic*

I do not think that you are going to see the 1962 Missal (DONT CALL IT A RITE...the Pope has specifically said not to call it a Rite in his letter. It a FORM of the one Rite of the Roman Church) used as a "special mass" at the parish level.

It will appear where people desire it and the people who desire it will wish for it every Sunday (and weekday if they can). You will never see it where a parish has a priest that doesn't know how to see it and the congregation does wish for it.

As for me

I am absolutely ecstatic about this teaching. The Holy Spirit has spoken through the Pope. Though personally, I am more excited about the supposed document that is to be released on the 10th of July -- the companion piece to 2000's DOMINUS IESUS.

It is good that the 1962 Missal be restored. Hopefully its restoration will help to correct the problems with the failed implementation of the current form of the Mass...a form that does not match what Vatican II desired. Pope Benedict has talked at length about this problem.

There is no 1962 parish nearby, and my Latin is poor, so I doubt that I will be seeing this Mass for many years. But it gives me great hope at the opportunity for working to reform the modern Missal and bring it into line with what Vatican II suggested, instead of being the "flat product of an instant" as Pope Benedict calls it.

Answer 4

I think it is a good decision. It will allow more flexibility in the decisions of a priest. It is good that those parishes that wish to have a Latin Mass will now be able to have one.

Before this, a priest would have to get permission from his bishop to say a Latin Mass.

There are Catholic Churches out there that have the Traditional Latin Rite Mass, but they are very few and far between.

Monk, the tradition Latin Rite service on Good Friday calls for teh conversion of ALL people to the Body of Christ. We pray that ALL people may know the love that god has for us shown in the fact that He became man and died for us.

Answer 5

As an outsider, I will comment that way. Years ago I had been to some masses that were in Latin. I didn't understand a word, so I was bored. I think it is ok, or probably better if you know the language. You will get closer to the actual meaning of the scriptures, as they were translated very early into latin.

Answer 6

I am Catholic. Therefore, I support the Pope. I adhere to his teaching because he is the Successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ. Anyone who claims to be Catholic but goes against the teachings of the Holy See is simply deluding himself. Maybe your question is, "Personally, do you like the new ruling...?" In that case, I would have to respond, "Yes". Pope Benedict XVI is speaking up for the rights of all Catholics to have Mass celebrated in the way in which it was celebrated for centuries. No Catholic could ever disagree with that. No Catholic can be anti-Tradition because he would cease to be Catholic by the very fact. Our Catholic identity is rooted in Sacred Tradition which, along with Sacred Scripture, constitute a sole and unique Source of Divine Revelation. I hope that helps.

Answer 7

I think this is a new opportunity to experience the great diversity and variety that the Universal Church offers.

Here is the Pope's letter on the subject: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20070707_lettera-vescovi_en.html

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles celebrates the Mass in the following languages of the people:
American Sign Language
Arabic
Aramaic
Armenian
Cambodian
Chinese (Cantonese)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Croatian
French
Garifuna (Ukrainian-Byzantine)
German
Haitian
Hungarian
Igbo
Indian
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Lithuanian
Native American Cultural Focus
Polish
Portuguese
Samoan
Slavonic
Spanish
Tagalog (Philippene)
Tongan
Ukrainian
Vietnamese

and

African-American Cultural Focus
Native American Cultural Focus

and, of course,

English

and now we can add Latin.

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

I love that liturgy, and am concerned the Holy Father's relaxation did not go far enough. The laity are still very much at the mercy of the bishop, and my bishop and the priests in my town are fairly hostile to celebrations according to the 1962 books. I despair of ever having such Masses locally and regularly available.

Answer 9

The traditional tridentine latin mass on good friday calls for the conversion of jews. What do you think about that aspect of this decision?

Sorry, everydaycatholic! I think BobBob got it right. The traditional tridentine latin good friday mass specifically mentions jews. What this says to me is that catholics are saying jews are wrong for not believing that jesus was the son of god. Of course jews (and muslims), say catholics are wrong for believing that jesus was anything more than a prophet. Obviously, both sides cannot be right!

Answer 10

old traditional mass? pah! hd tv's and live video feeds are the way it needs to go!