[Apologetics] Latin to be heard at all Masses?

[Stephen Korsman]

Hi

My comment: This is maybe going a bit far.  Using Aramaic or Greek, as some
do, is fine - those were respectively the languages spoken by Christ and
written in the New Testament.  Latin is sacred because it was once the
vernacular and got stuck there.  If English has died out in 5000 years time
to the extent that Latin has today, would the Pope insist that the
consecration be done in English?  Would it become a small-t-tradition?

For the other reason - appeasing the multis and silencing the liberals, it's
a good idea.

God bless,
Stephen

Latin to be heard at all
Masses?<http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson/blog/2008/07/04/latin_to_be_heard_at_all_masses>
via blogs.telegraph.co.uk Blog
Listings<http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson>on 7/4/08

Here is a gripping rumour (hat tip: Father
Z<http://wdtprs.com/blog/2008/07/vernacular-masses-but-with-latin-consecration/>).
Pope Benedict may require priests to say the words of consecration in Latin
at all Masses, including those celebrated in the vernacular.

His intention would be to sidestep a long-running controversy over the
consecration of the wine - Christ's blood, Catholics believe. In the current
English translation, this includes the phrase "...which will be shed for you
and for all men, so that sins may be forgiven". But the original Latin
(based on the Greek of Matthew and Mark) says *pro multis*, the plain
reading of which is "for many". Wikipedia has a good account
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_multis>of the furious arguments that the
translation of these words into many languages has provoked.

It boils down to this: did Christ die for all men, or for many? Rome's
latest ruling is that "for all" is not a literal translation of *pro multis*,
but rather an "explanation" of the Gospel account. Catholic teaching is that
Christ died for all mankind without exception, though not everyone is saved
as a result.

If the words of the consecration are always spoken in Latin in the Roman
Rite, then although the problem does not go away it is at least removed from
the Eucharistic prayer. As I say, it's just a rumour, but it strikes me as a
neat solution. Liberals won't agree, needless to say, because it will mean
hearing the dreaded Latin language at even the dreariest Tabletista liturgy.


What a lovely thought.
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