Pope Benedict has given his go signal to revive the Tridentine mass, the pre-Vatican II rite conducted in Latin and wherein the priest does not face the congregation. It has sparked criticism from modernists who aim to bring the Church closer to the people. The move might lead to an exodus away from the Church towards Protestant and evangelical groups for those who might feel alienated by this new directive.
I haven't attended a Mass in Latin, and I really wonder what it's going to be like. I think I will like it. Latin, after all, was the lingua franca 2,000 years ago, during Jesus' time. I have an uncle who shifted allegiance to that renegade religious order that still conducts Masses in Latin, somewhere in New Manila.
The rite would still be the same, except for the language used (which I'm sure none of us understands) and the sermon which will have to be conducted in the vernacular. However, I heard the Latin Mass would be discretionary. Meaning only those who wish to hear Mass in Latin may do so.
I always take the position that we shouldn't approach God as if He were some sort of a next door neighbor. He deserves to be treated in a manner fit for the King of Kings. Singing hymns (some congregations even have synthesizers, drums and electric guitars which makes their singing no different than a pop or rock concert at the Araneta--maybe it is a matter of taste) and reading Scripture passages alone just doesn't do it for me, it's simply not enough. (In this sense, I am a conservative and a traditionalist). Conducting the central rite deeply rooted in the Last Supper in Latin means the Church is putting back the Sacredness and a profound sense of Mystery, Solemnity and above all, Reverence which I think are essential in worship. But then again, this is a minority view. Let us see.
I haven't attended a Mass in Latin, and I really wonder what it's going to be like. I think I will like it. Latin, after all, was the lingua franca 2,000 years ago, during Jesus' time. I have an uncle who shifted allegiance to that renegade religious order that still conducts Masses in Latin, somewhere in New Manila.
The rite would still be the same, except for the language used (which I'm sure none of us understands) and the sermon which will have to be conducted in the vernacular. However, I heard the Latin Mass would be discretionary. Meaning only those who wish to hear Mass in Latin may do so.
I always take the position that we shouldn't approach God as if He were some sort of a next door neighbor. He deserves to be treated in a manner fit for the King of Kings. Singing hymns (some congregations even have synthesizers, drums and electric guitars which makes their singing no different than a pop or rock concert at the Araneta--maybe it is a matter of taste) and reading Scripture passages alone just doesn't do it for me, it's simply not enough. (In this sense, I am a conservative and a traditionalist). Conducting the central rite deeply rooted in the Last Supper in Latin means the Church is putting back the Sacredness and a profound sense of Mystery, Solemnity and above all, Reverence which I think are essential in worship. But then again, this is a minority view. Let us see.
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