Why was the traditional Catholic mass changed?

Question

Catholic mass was in Latin and the priests backs would face the parishoners when at the alter.

Now it is in the native languages and the priests face the croud at the alter.

How did the changes come about?

Answer 1

The congregation is supposed to participate in the Mass. They are not supposed to attend Mass as mere spectators. For this reason, Latin was exchanged for the local languages and the priest faced the congregation as opposed to having his back to him.

These things were changed as a result of Vatican II, an Ecumenical Council that, among other things, revamped the liturgy of the Mass.

It's well to know that, for the first two hundred years of Christianity, the Catholic Mass was most often said in Greek, not Latin. And, the tradition of the priest's back facing the congregation comes from when the Masses were said in the catacombs. Typically, the priest used the tomb of a saint as the "altar". This would require the priest to have his back to the congregation when he needs to read the scriptures or consecrate the bread and wine, among other things.

Answer 2

There are a lot of reasons, many of them wrapped up in a general change in attitude in the West to the function of a liturgical gathering. Traditionally, the priest was seen as a member of the congregation, standing at the front as a sort of "spokesman" for the congregation. When the West increased the didactic function of the liturgy, it began to make more sense to Westerners to structure their liturgies in a more "lecture" format. The minister or priest became a "leader" lecturing the masses.

The Orthodox Church still has the priest facing away from the congregation, but he does face the congregation for the homily--when addressing or exhorting us.

As for abandoning Latin, this was done to bring the liturgy back to the people. Traditionally, the Orthodox preferred liturgy in the local language, which is why the Slavs got a Slavonic liturgy instead of being required to use a Greek liturgy.

Answer 3

Vatican II reforms in 1962. An attempt by the church to get hip. Organs out. Guitars in. Not sure it was such a good idea. Attendance has plunged ever since. Now each parish is splintered. English Mass at 8. Spanish at 9:30. Vietnamese at 11.

When Latin was the common voice, a Catholic from South America could attend Mass in Manila and feel right at home. No more.

It sounds like Benedict might be rolling things back a little.

Dominus vobiscum.

Answer 4

I don't understand why the sspx had to be excommunicated was it because they authorized anullments that I don't understand when they cherish the traditional catholic faith they are not trying to commit son they just want to worship Our Lord in the most reverent way the way the Church had always been I go to the norvus ordo for fear of going to the sspx mass to be a sin I just wish it wasn't so confusing

Answer 5

I think part of it is because the latin language is not used as much as it was years ago. Back in the 60's the vatican made a lot of changes to help people understand what they were doing and saying in church. They still have a ways to go because the catholic church has a lot of traditions they don't need. That goes for everyone. Jesus said,'you make void the word of God by your traditions'. We have personal traditions,family traditions,educational traditions,political traditions,sports traditions, and lots of others. They are distractions that keep us from understanding what the best things God has for us. Daily bible study should be the norm, not the exception.

Answer 6

When I learn the primary side of your query, I instantly concept of the SSPX. There's no predicament with you favoring the Tridentine Mass, however your outward disdain for it is counterpart, the Novus Ordo, stinks of SSPX-"ism". Low and behold, whilst I clicked to your query to learn on, I see you citing the SSPX! Do I recognise my stuff or what? The SSPX is is excommunicated from the Catholic Church. They aren't "Catholic". Most individuals feel the Church excommunicated the SSPX on the grounds that it celebrates the Tridentine Mass. No. The rationale the SSPX used to be excommunicated used to be on the grounds that it authorizes annulments. A legitimate annulment can most effective come from the Vatican. Henry XIII used to be one more person who used to be excommunicated - for the identical rationale - whilst he took it upon himself to annul his possess marriage. Since you are new to Catholicism, the worst factor you'll do is fake you understand extra approximately the Catholic Mass than Catholics who've been attending it their entire lifestyles. Perhaps you ought to upgrade upon your possess abilities of the historical past of the Catholic Mass by and large - then you'll realize the Novus Ordo, and the truly Tridentine Mass. As a Catholic (no longer SSPX, I imply a "truly" Catholic), there is not anything incorrect with you favoring and attending the Tridentine Mass. There is whatever so grossly out of whack along with your perspective because it relates to the Novus Ordo. Favoring the Tridentine Mass does no longer imply you must regard the Novus Ordo with disdain. Might I advocate, within the most powerful feasible phrases, the booklet, "We Worship: A Guide to the Catholic Mass", by way of Father Oscar Lukefahr.

Answer 7

If you are interested in a detailed study of Catholic liturgy, I recommend "Spirit of the Liturgy" by Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict). He explains the history and theology of the position of the alter and the priest. He is a noted theologian and a participant in the changes in the Church.

Answer 8

The concept from Vatican II was that the Mass has gone back to be closer to what it was in the early days of the Church.

In the early days of the Church, the Mass was celebrated in the language of the people and the altar was more of a banquet table.

We just went back to an earlier tradition.

With love in Christ.

Answer 9

hmmm, good question. There are still latin churches, my friend goes to one, but most of them today are done in english (or the native language of the country). I am sure the pope had something to do with it maybe to make it easier for children and other people who do not know latin. They want people to understand the words being spoken.

Answer 10

well seeing as latin is hardly spoken anymore or even understood anymore. It would be quite something if the faithfuls have to sit in church all day and listen to jibberish. At least they will have a legitimate excuse to sleep through the weekly event