All the traditional missals for the laity have both Latin and the English translations side by side, so it is really very easy to understand everything.
IMO, tradition is great; I love tradition.
But if ALL the congregants aren’t fluent in Latin, what’s the point? When tradition for the sake of tradition takes precedence over people hearing and understanding the Gospel, it seems wrong. A bit insulting to the hearers who don’t know Latin.
The “mystical” aspect is worrisome. The Gospel should be completely UN-mystical; it should be so clear that EVERYBODY understands.
I do “get” the basic tradition aspect, and the comfort it brings, though. We look for some measure of it when deciding on a church.
JMO.
It’s the mystery of faith.
Most parts, people learn the other parts since they are repeated. I mean, Hallelujah and Amen are Hebrew, and Kyrie Eleison is Greek.
The Novus Ordo changed much more than just the language of the Mass. It’s no coincidence that TLM communities are flourishing while the NO church is dying in many places across the formerly Catholic world.
Mass is not and never was intended as a Sunday school. That’s what catechism is for. Mass is a sacrifice of God to the faithful. It’s the crucifixion, not the sermon on the mount.
A catechized Catholic knows the meaning and purpose of various parts of the liturgy (Santus, Gloria etc.) and doesn’t need any translation. If however translation is important, it’s all right there in the missal.
The homily (i.e “sermon”) is in native language.
All the traditional missals for the laity have both Latin and the English translations side by side, so it is really very easy to understand everything.