New rule for Latin Mass worries critics - USATODAY.com

It was very interesting to read the article in USATODAY, which was extremely cynical in tone, concerning the Pope’s lifting the ban on the old Latin Mass in Catholic Churches.

What the Church lost when it banned the Latin mass was the mystical quality of the Catholic Mass. Insipid English (or other vernacular) liturgy - equally insipid and completely uninspiring music - lead to a shallow and untransformative experience.

The old Mass was a deeply mystical rite. The Latin, with its sonorous vowels, steeped in history, along with some of the most spiritually inspiring music ever created, Gregorian Chant, helped the mind to soar into Mystical Union. Even if the worshiper couldn’t understand the words, the underlying feeling that resulted from the hearing helps the soul to realize deeper communion with God. Isn’t this what it is all about?

To remove the mysticism from the mas brings the entire enterprise down into the mundane. It was, I always felt, a very grave mistake. I’ll never forget attending an Easter Mass in Isla Vista (near the University of California, Santa Barbara) in 1970, my freshman year there. I was completely disappointed, with its folk music, and English liturgy - it was the last Mass I ever attended.

The criticism that was voiced by the detractors in the USA Today article, that this was a reactionary move that would polarize factions in the church is ridiculous. This is a move that will bring many back to the church, and will help to bring back the mystical connection to Christ for millions of Catholics.

For me, I’ve moved somewhere far beyond any kind of sectarian Christianity; however, if there were a Latin Mass nearby on an Easter or Christmas, I just might attend myself, especially if they have a choir singing the old chants!

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