Coming: New Vatican call for use of Latin

CWNews.com ^ | Feb. 26

[nickcarraway]

Vatican, Feb. 26 (CWNews.com) - A new document on the use of Latin in the Church, and the teaching of Latin in seminaries, is expected sometime this year.

Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, the prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, has confirmed that he hopes the document being prepared by that Congregation will be published in 2004.

"In order not to mutilate herself, the Church cannot fail to conserve her tradition and patrimony written in Latin," the Polish cardinal remarked during a February 25 meeting in Rome. He pointed out that Latin remains the official language of the Roman Church, and the official documents of the magisterium are written in that language. Therefore, he concluded, the Church needs priests who are familiar with the language, in order to ensure that they fully understand Catholic teachings.

Cardinal Grocholewski expressed regret that previous Vatican statements encouraging the teaching of Latin in Catholic seminaries-- such as Pope Paul VI's Veterum Sapentia of 1962-- are clearly not being applied. He added that Pope John Paul II had also encouraged Latin study in his 1979 apostolic constitution Sapientia Christiana, and the 1983 Code of Canon Law states calls for a "good understanding" of Latin among Catholic priests. On the 40th anniversary of Veterum Sapentia, Pope John Paul said that he would like to see "an ever stronger love for that language among the candidates for the priesthood."

The Congregation for Catholic Education, which is preparing the new document on the use of Latin, is asking a group of Latin scholars to review the proposed text. After that editorial review, the document will be sent to the presidents of the world's episcopal conferences before being made public. Cardinal Grocholewski indicated that he hoped that entire process would be complete before the end of 2004.

[nickcarraway]

ping

[sinkspur]

The Congregation for Catholic Education, which is preparing the new document on the use of Latin, is asking a group of Latin scholars to review the proposed text.

Will it be published in Latin?

[polemikos]

Deo gratias!

[livius]

Yes!

Much to my surprise, the pastor of my church is trying to introduce a bit of Latin during Lent. He was recently appointed, and I had expected him to be quite liberal because he had been at the (Arian/Gnostic) university parish.

However, since getting his own parish, he has emerged as extremely orthodox. He told people in the bulletin that the Kyrie was to be said in Greek and the Agnus Dei in Latin. He wrote out a pronunciation key and told them that "they would soon get used to it." Way to go!

[ninenot]

If it IS in Latin, you SHOULD be able to read it, with your Seminary education.

Or should I send one of my high-school Latin students to help you?

[sinkspur]

I'll wait until it's translated. I suspect it will "suggest" more Latin, and will get ignored like all the other documents on Latin have been.

[NeoCaveman]

I'll wait until it's translated. I suspect it will "suggest" more Latin,

The priest at my old parish says there is a well known phrase in Italy, "the translator is a liar". It was one heck of a sermon that day.

[ninenot]

Under Rigali's leadership and watchful eye, I suspect that it will NOT be ignored except by those who are reliably anti-nomian.

You know the names, Sinky.

In the meantime, get out your Henle texts.

[sinkspur]

Under Rigali's leadership and watchful eye, I suspect that it will NOT be ignored except by those who are reliably anti-nomian.

From what I read here, it's mostly academic: more Latin in seminaries.

There's nothing in here about requiring the use of Latin in liturgy.

Where IS that liturgical document, BTW?

[autopsy]

"In order not to mutilate herself, the Church cannot fail to conserve her tradition and patrimony written in Latin,"

Odd choice of words after 40 years of self-mutilation.

[livius]

40 years of self-mutilation.

A very accurate description.

[american colleen]

My daughter is taking Latin in HS (she loves it) in prep for the day when womyn priests are ordained.

[american colleen]

KIDDING!!! But she does love Latin.

[american colleen]

If they are teaching Latin in the seminaries then they must be planning on implementing Latin in the Liturgy else why bother to learn a language that the seminarians/priests will never use. Priests who learn Latin will use it. It's a beautiful language.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

How do I say "bump" in Latin? I need to practice :-)

[Siobhan]

I would be more than happy to teach Latin to any priest who needs remedial help, and if there are bishops who need remedial help in reading and understanding directives from the Vatican, I volunteer to direct their re-education, administering whatever discipline would be necessary and appropriate within the context of a traditional Catholic pontifical environment. Failing that, I would also volunteer to help with the revival of certain customs of the Holy Office that could be salutary.

*grin*

[nickcarraway]

Are you available to teach CCD to said bishops?

[Siobhan]

I always enjoy the pseudo-Latin on FR such as "Bumpus Maximus" or "Summus cum Bumpum" and the like.....

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

Thought this would be of particular interest to you two and maybe others, I'll leave it to your discretion. God Bless (I don't want a mini-war to erupt). This hopefully will be just the beginning.