latin mass QUESTION from Joanne on January 28, 2002 What is meant by the term Latin Mass?
Joanne
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on January 28, 2002 Dear Joanne,
Latin Mass can simply mean a Mass that is offered in the latin language.
However, it is often misused to refer exclusively to the traditional Mass, or the Mass used before the reforms of the second vatican council. This mistake is made by those who do not realize that our Mass today is indeed a latin Mass, and that we are using an English TRANSLATION of the latin. To them, it seems logical to refer to the old Mass as Latin and the new as English.
But actually, both Masses are Latin Masses. So when someone is speaking to you of a Latin Mass, it would be wise to ask them what they mean specifically.. the Mass of the old rite, or the one being used today. Both may be offered in the Latin Language.
Mr. Slavek
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