[BikerNYC]

"It's more reverent" than the contemporary Masses and liturgies that grew out of the Second Vatican Council, she said. "We feel it expresses the church's teachings in a more clear way."

It's more clear to do it in a language people don't understand? Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

[kassie]

My church has English along side Latin. It is a beautiful Mass and easy to follow. You say the same prayers all the time over and over so when you get the opportunity to attend a Latin Mass, you know what you're saying anyway.

[Publius6961]

It's more clear to do it in a language people don't understand? Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

You are assuming that those who prefer the Tridentine Mass don't know what is being said?
That's got to be just plain ignorance. Most of the people who prefer it know exactly what is being said at all times.

[Antoninus]

It's more clear to do it in a language people don't understand? Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

Yeah, that's been a problem for me ... especially when traveling to other countries like Mexico, Italy, or the American southwest for that matter, considering those masses aren't in English either....

Seriously, though, much of the Tridentine mass is parallel to the 'new' mass as it exists today, so anyone who's familiar with the new mass in English has no trouble following along with the Latin. Additionally, the priest does the readings and homily in English and bilingual missals are supplied, along with explanatory margin notes.

[pbear8]

Having the Latin/English missal makes learning Latin very easy for those who have a bit of grey matter. The 10 year old who stood next to me said the 'Gloria' as easily as I did.

It's just a matter of being open-minded and willing to learn.

[sinkspur]

It's more clear to do it in a language people don't understand? Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

Some like the Latin and the mystery it evokes.

I'd be curious how many of the parishoners say the Rosary during Mass. That always struck me as bizarre.

[Notwithstanding]

When it is in English the "presider" (liberal word for priest) can ad lib (make it up as he goes along as many priests do nowadays). There is a book that has the exact translation in English for those who do not yet know what is being said. It is all very simple and straightforward.

I have only been to one such Mass - and I can see the merits of it - and the problems inherent with it. I also see the merits of the Mass in English - and the problems inherent in that.

Neither way is without problems. Naither way is without mertis.

But one way - the English-language Mass - is the only one in which grave abuse can occur rather easily.

I am fortunate to be in one of the rare parishes where such error (in English) never surfaces.

Deo gratias!

[Renatus]

Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

I attended a Mass recently the languages were Spanish, Vietnamese and some English. Might as well been in Latin.

[genefromjersey]

The use of Latin meant the services could be conducted (apart from sermons, announcements, etc.) in one language-anywhere in the world.When I was a practising Catholic (over 50 years ago ),I could attend mass in a Polish, Italian, or even a Chinese neighborhood, and understand what was going on. It had the effect of giving all Catholics a sense of community, and I often wonder-though I longer care - why the practice was discontinued.

[Dumb_Ox]

Do people prefer not to understand what is being said to them at Mass?

Having had four years of Latin, understanding the Mass is no problem for me. I've also attended a Greek Catholic Divine Liturgy in Slavonic. With a missal and rudimentary knowledge of Russian, I was able to follow the service with nary a misstep. Being in conscious contemplation of the liturgy sure beats being the snoozing pew-warmer I was in my teenage years.

[TPWC]

I think I'd rather know what I am hearing.