Previous reflections | The 16 Documents of Vatican II | Resolution |
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"The use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.
But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass,
the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy,
frequently may be of great advantage to the people,
the limits of its employment may be extended.
It is for the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority
mentioned in Art. 22, 2,
to decide whether, and to what extent, the vernacular language is to be used;
their decrees are to be approved, that is, confirmed, by the Apostolic See.
And, whenever it seems to be called for,
this authority is to consult with bishops of neighboring regions which have the
same language.
(22.2: 2. In virtue of power conceded by the law, the
regulation of the liturgy within certain defined limits belongs also to various
kinds of competent territorial bodies of bishops legitimately established.)
Translations from the Latin text into the mother tongue
intended for use in the liturgy
must be approved by the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned
above"
This is what Vatican II said...so clearly.
But Pope John Paul II took back most powers from national conferences.
Then the Vatican conducted a
cloak and dagger operation to bring in the new English translation of the Mass
Notice how the top line "The use of the Latin language is
to be preserved in the Latin rites"
is often quoted out of context by people who say Vatican II taught us to keep
the Latin Mass.
Keeping Latin and keeping the old Latin Mass are two very
different things.
Vat II's idea is: renew/revise the Mass and then use either Latin or local
language for the renewed Mass.
Vat II did not say keep the old Latin Mass
This whole affair re Latin makes me think at times
that the real issue is not Latin or local language or liturgy.
The real issue is power and control by the Curia/Papacy
Maybe there's also an element of European colonialism in the
move to keep Latin.
It's part of a strategy to preserve European power and control of the Church.
and also?...anti-English sentiment among non-English speakers?....keep Latin to stop
English?
400 years ago in China, Matteo Ricci had permission from the
Pope
to have Mass in Chinese.
Ricci understood that Latin was a barrier, not a help,
for spreading the Gospel
Come Holy Spirit of Pentecost
and help the Church stop reconstructing the tower of Babel that is Latin
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Comments welcome here