Greetings, I attend traditional latin mass since 2015. I find that reading or reciting something in latin or a language that is not a mother tongue puts a veil on my understanding, it doesn't resound as much as in my mother tongue... I only salute the Blessed Virgin and thank her at the end of a decade in Latin.
I have been attending Latin Mass for over two years. I’ve realized something that you stated in your essay: the English translations of the Latin lose much of the nuance and depth of the original Latin. Even well-known prayers like the Our Father are “dumbed down” in English. It was St Jerome himself who translated the Bible, and thus our Scripture readings, nearly two centuries ago.
You may want to check some of your claims. When and where did Latin become predominant? When was the Rosary promulgated? How does Latin compare to Greek, in its vocabulary and grammar?
I returned to the most beautiful Mass of my childhood about three years ago. Of course, as a result of Traditiones Custodes it has become increasingly difficult to find TLMs being offered. I would call myself a TLM chaser (somewhat like a tornado chaser) as I receive updates and try my hardest to attend as many as I am able. TLM masses offered by FSSP, and I would think SSPX, are so very beautiful as are many offered by local parish priests (God bless these priests). Because my attendances are scattered as a result of non-availability, it has taken me longer to acclimate but, slowly, I become more comfortable. My hope is to only attend TLM in the near future. Next mission is to get my family of adult children and young grandchildren to attend and love this gift.
**As for praying the Holy Rosary in Latin I have become quite proficient at many of the basic prayers:
Signum Crucis, Pater Noster, Ave Maria, Gloria, Oratio Fatima, Salve Regina. I sent away for “Pray More Latin” prayer cards which offers phonetic translations underneath the Latin words. I began with the Sign of the Cross, followed by Pater Noster etc.
I prayed each prayer individually until I became proficient. I also prayed with Cardinal Burke on YouTube to perfect my pronunciation. As I became more and more proficient, praying the Rosary every day, and praying the particular prayer I was learning, I added a new prayer. I’ve just begun to master the Credo. Praying in Latin helps me to meditate on each Mystery more deeply as I pray.
Thank you for this article. It will be a great share to those I’d like to join me on this journey.
I will humbly admit that I have been stuck for awhile in learning the rosary in Latin. I say everything in English except the 153 Ave Marias and the Gloria Patris. Thanks for the encouragement to get going and learn the rest.
I have been learning some prayers in Latin and for me it’s been a struggle. I don’t do it so I can show off in front of others or to hold myself above anyone. I do it because it is the universal language of the Church and demons hate latin.(so I’ve been told)
In our modern world, we have so little connection to the past. We’ve taken traditions and rites of passage and tossed them aside for the most part. That’s what I love most about Catholicism, the opportunity to part take in these 2000 year old traditions and sacraments other denominations have largely abandoned in fear the simple concept of asking something of parishioners will result in scaring them off. Attending a Latin mass or praying a Latin rosary is a unique experience.
Greetings, I attend traditional latin mass since 2015. I find that reading or reciting something in latin or a language that is not a mother tongue puts a veil on my understanding, it doesn't resound as much as in my mother tongue... I only salute the Blessed Virgin and thank her at the end of a decade in Latin.
I have been attending Latin Mass for over two years. I’ve realized something that you stated in your essay: the English translations of the Latin lose much of the nuance and depth of the original Latin. Even well-known prayers like the Our Father are “dumbed down” in English. It was St Jerome himself who translated the Bible, and thus our Scripture readings, nearly two centuries ago.
The Latin Mass is more solemn and deep, imho.
You may want to check some of your claims. When and where did Latin become predominant? When was the Rosary promulgated? How does Latin compare to Greek, in its vocabulary and grammar?
I returned to the most beautiful Mass of my childhood about three years ago. Of course, as a result of Traditiones Custodes it has become increasingly difficult to find TLMs being offered. I would call myself a TLM chaser (somewhat like a tornado chaser) as I receive updates and try my hardest to attend as many as I am able. TLM masses offered by FSSP, and I would think SSPX, are so very beautiful as are many offered by local parish priests (God bless these priests). Because my attendances are scattered as a result of non-availability, it has taken me longer to acclimate but, slowly, I become more comfortable. My hope is to only attend TLM in the near future. Next mission is to get my family of adult children and young grandchildren to attend and love this gift.
**As for praying the Holy Rosary in Latin I have become quite proficient at many of the basic prayers:
Signum Crucis, Pater Noster, Ave Maria, Gloria, Oratio Fatima, Salve Regina. I sent away for “Pray More Latin” prayer cards which offers phonetic translations underneath the Latin words. I began with the Sign of the Cross, followed by Pater Noster etc.
I prayed each prayer individually until I became proficient. I also prayed with Cardinal Burke on YouTube to perfect my pronunciation. As I became more and more proficient, praying the Rosary every day, and praying the particular prayer I was learning, I added a new prayer. I’ve just begun to master the Credo. Praying in Latin helps me to meditate on each Mystery more deeply as I pray.
Thank you for this article. It will be a great share to those I’d like to join me on this journey.
I will humbly admit that I have been stuck for awhile in learning the rosary in Latin. I say everything in English except the 153 Ave Marias and the Gloria Patris. Thanks for the encouragement to get going and learn the rest.
I have been learning some prayers in Latin and for me it’s been a struggle. I don’t do it so I can show off in front of others or to hold myself above anyone. I do it because it is the universal language of the Church and demons hate latin.(so I’ve been told)
Great article. Practical and in-depth reasons to back up what you’re saying! Appreciate it!
Reading ancient texts in the original language is probably the closest we'll get to time travel.
In our modern world, we have so little connection to the past. We’ve taken traditions and rites of passage and tossed them aside for the most part. That’s what I love most about Catholicism, the opportunity to part take in these 2000 year old traditions and sacraments other denominations have largely abandoned in fear the simple concept of asking something of parishioners will result in scaring them off. Attending a Latin mass or praying a Latin rosary is a unique experience.