Sofia Monghit BSBA-4

Traditional Latin Mass Critique

The Latin Mass is often called the Tridentine Latin Mass, a reference to the
fact that it was codified by Pope St. Pius V shortly after the Council of Trent (1545-
1563), from which is derived the term “Tridentine.” The Latin Mass itself can rightly be
called the Mass of the Apostles since it dates back to the time of Our Lord and the
Apostles. Remnants of early liturgies parallel the Tridentine Latin Mass in its essential
details.

He priest genuflect every time he approaches the altar, removes the pall,
replaces the pall, opens the tabernacle and opens the ciboria. The priest faces God in
prayer. The holy Mass is begun by priest and people recognizing that we are sinners
and asking for God’s mercy with the Confiteor’s serious words said kneeling. The priest
says the canon of the Holy Mass in Vox Secreta (very low voice).After the consecration
of the Body of Christ, the priest genuflects, raises the Host and then places it on the
altar and genuflects again. The same is done for the consecration of the Blood of
Christ. Bells are used to signify that God is being summoned at the Epiclesis and
consecration. There are other times bells are rung to call more attention to an
important time of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass like at the minor Elevation of the Host
and Chalice.

The use of the Latin language is a manifest and beautiful sign of unity, as well
as an effective antidote for any corruption of doctrinal truth. As for the difficulty of not
understanding Latin, most missals display the English translation side-by-side with the
Latin text. Even children learn to use them with ease and soon know by heart even
many of the Latin prayers.