Why Holy Mass in Latin? Because yesterday at the Vatican during the Papal Mass, yours truly as an American and this pilgrim as a Nigerian, were able to TOGETHER as Catholics say and sing all of the responses in the unity of our one common Catholic language, Latin. And his Latin was better than mine. The Mass was not in Italian, or English or any of the many languages spoken in Nigeria. But in our language.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Papal Knight from Nigeria
Why Holy Mass in Latin? Because yesterday at the Vatican during the Papal Mass, yours truly as an American and this pilgrim as a Nigerian, were able to TOGETHER as Catholics say and sing all of the responses in the unity of our one common Catholic language, Latin. And his Latin was better than mine. The Mass was not in Italian, or English or any of the many languages spoken in Nigeria. But in our language.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Exactly!!!
ReplyDeleteYou should keep emphasizing this theme because it is one of the most cogent arguments for the retention of the traditional language of the Universal Church.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have met people from disparate countries whose Latin is excellent. My father was in Europe during WW2 and he would attend Mass in Flemish and French parishes. He felt completely at home, except during the sermon (not "homily"). The sermon often was and remains regrettably the least laudable part of the liturgy.
We must restore the universality of the Catholic Church through Her universal language. Beatus Papa Iohannes Paulus II adiuvet nos.
How very true. Through a common language, we are able to worship the Almighty in one voice. Is this man part of Ordo Sancti Gregorii Magni (to keep with the theme of the post)?
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, I forgot to add that I like your wording "in our language. Very poignant.
ReplyDeleteNostra lingua! Keep up the good work and keep the faith, JP.
Catholic is not only - or was it even first - Latin...
ReplyDelete