Some Latin set to return to Novus Ordo

CNA ^ | March 20, 2006 | Catholic News Agency

[NYCCatholic]

Pope’s upcoming Apostolic Exhortation likely to call for increased liturgical solemnity, reintegration of Latin

[livius]

Wonderful! There's hope, things are moving along all over.

[franky]

My parish is Harrisburg had some Latin for the first time in years. I spoke with our priest and praised him for it. His words were, "More to come".

[Diva]

If the Vatican does not define what is "inadequate for liturgical use" the current abusers of liturgical music will rationlize their way out of it and everything will continue as it was.

One rationale I've heard for not defining specifically is that if you say no guitars the next Sunday a ukelele will appear in its place and so on. I don't know that I buy this explanation but I'm sure there will be some liturgical lunatics who will experiment to see what they can get away with. Unless you have a Bishop willing to knock some heads together there isn't much the Vatican can do except lead by example and try to correct what is wrong in the seminaries.

[Diva]

I agree.

[k omalley]

I am breaking my Lenten fast from the internet to report happy news. (It is cold everywhere in the house but the computer room so I gave in to temptation.)

Our pastor has started introducing Latin into the Mass, starting with the "pater noster." And he has also received permission for the Indult! A miracle has taken place before my very eyes!

[mike182d]

One rationale I've heard for not defining specifically is that if you say no guitars the next Sunday a ukelele will appear in its place and so on.

Ugh. Very true.

It would probably be a whole lot easier if the Vatican just said "you can only use gregorian chant, piano, or pipe organ" instead of leaving an open-ended directive for liturgists. The would eliminate any inevitable ukelele wiggle-room.

[Diva]

"you can only use gregorian chant, piano, or pipe organ" instead of leaving an open-ended

But that would also put an end to some of the most beautiful music written for the Mass. Mozart's Requiem for instance. I would say the piano does not belong in church, but it is certainly more appropriate than say an electric guitar. The Vatican wants prudence and aesthetics to be observed. Lounge music shouldn't be a part of the liturgy, and certainly not rock and roll. But, there are many who have an affection for and an attachment to "Glory and Praise" music. Music is a very sticky subject. If you say no guitar (acoustical guitar) then you are eliminating lots of music from Spanish speaking countries. Remember "Silent Night" was written for guitar not organ as the organ was broken or the little parish church didn't have one, I forget which.