Remembering and Understanding Our Sacred Tradition

Dear Parishioners,

When I finished high school and was accepted for admission to a college seminary to study for the priesthood, I was told at the time that I needed to study both Latin and Greek—two years of each. I had no familiarity with either language up to then. Since we belong to the Latin or Roman Rite—we are Roman Catholics—the study of ecclesiastical Latin provided me with some valuable background for what is still our official church language. (Moreover, Koine or biblical Greek would prove very beneficial for my understanding of Sacred Scripture.)

At times, various people will reference Vatican II (the Second Vatican Council) and not know what the documents from that ecumenical council actually say. Sacrosanctum Concillium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, actually states the following:  Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites (#36). It certainly makes no sense to me to disregard approximately two thousand years of our precious history and tradition.

That is why, at various times during the liturgical year, I encourage our musicians to introduce various elements of Latin and Greek into our liturgy—specifically, the Kyrie (Greek) and the Sanctus and Agnus Dei (Latin) during the seasons of Advent and Lent. By now, if we regularly attend Mass, we should all know the English translations for the above as the Lord, Have Mercy, the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Lamb of God. With time, it would also be beneficial to know the Our Father, Gloria and Nicene Creed in Latin as well. Moreover, this variation gives us an opportunity to experience some Gregorian Chant, another significant tradition from our musical heritage. I believe we should change our routine during Advent and Lent since these liturgical seasons are meant to be different from Ordinary Time. 

Interestingly enough, my experience in the classroom has shown me that if it is presented in a positive manner, children and teens are receptive to learning these parts of the Mass in the ancient languages.  (Sadly, I sometimes have received much more resistance from others of slightly older generations who seem to have an aversion or even disgust for anything considered pre-Vatican II).

Someone once disparagingly reminded me how Latin is no longer a spoken or conversational language. It is used for the liturgy and in church documents and writings. Interestingly enough, as a result, it allows an ancient language to be unique and set aside for sacred matters, like addressing God in prayer. Keeping something as special or reserved for God alone seems like quite a novel idea, doesn't it! Maybe its use would reflect a bit more reverence above and beyond the colloquial or pedestrian language that we use for everyone and everything else.

[As a side note, another matter referenced in this document was the assumed ad orientem position of the priest (i.e., facing liturgical East with the people). The priest facing the people (versus populum) is never mentioned in this document! Yet, high altars were moved or even destroyed in many churches and the priest regularly faces the people during the post-Vatican II liturgy. This, however, is a topic for another day.]

I leave you with the following Latin motto which one of my seminary professors used to inscribe atop his papers and handouts: A.M.D.G.—Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam. It is the motto of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, of which Pope Francis is a member. May all things be done for the greater glory of God!

Fr. Ed Namiotka 

Pastor

 Gregorian Chant

A Look at Some Liturgical Practices

 

Dear Parishioners, 

A couple of weeks ago I took the time to write about some Lenten liturgical customs. I want to follow up today with a few other liturgical practices which are part of the Novus Ordo—the current Mass offered in most Roman Catholic parishes throughout the world.

As Roman Catholics, our particular rite is officially known as the Latin Rite. The pope, our spiritual leader, resides in Rome (more precisely, Vatican City). It is there where both St. Peter and St. Paul died for their faith as did many early Christian martyrs. Sadly, with the increased use of the vernacular in our liturgy, too many people seem to forget (or even to have an unhealthy distain for) our Latin heritage. I have heard people erroneously say that the Latin language is no longer in use since Vatican II. However, this is what the document on the liturgy, SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM (S.C.), actually says:

. . . Steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them. (S.C. #54)

Regarding sacred music, the document adds:

The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services. (S.C. #116)

During Lent and Advent, this parish has the practice of chanting the Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus) and the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) in Latin. Moreover, during the penitential rite, the Lord, Have Mercy (Kyrie) is also chanted in the original Greek. We try to keep our heritage alive in this small way by the use of some hymns in Latin and Gregorian chant.

Next, I was recently asked by someone whether or not we were going to return to the reception of both the Body and Blood of Jesus (at our daily Mass.) I understood what the person meant, wanting to receive also from the chalice. In reality, even if we only receive the consecrated host at Mass, we still receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ without ever partaking from the chalice. This, in fact, was the custom (standard practice) for centuries. Primarily, it was the priest who received from the chalice and not the laity.

Illustrating some further misunderstanding in the language used regarding the Blessed Sacrament, I have found that sometimes people continue to refer to the consecrated Sacred Host and Precious Blood as bread and wine. Please try not to do this. Let your language reflect your belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Yes, I know that St. Paul, occasionally, referred to the Holy Eucharist as bread (see 1 Cor. 11: 26-28). Even some hymns use phrases such as eat this bread. But it is more reverential and proper for us to use terms like (Most) Holy Eucharist, (Most) Blessed Sacrament, (Most) Precious Blood to express clearly and unambiguously the Catholic belief in Jesus’ Real Presence. If we use the term bread, may it be more suitably the Bread of Angels (Panis Angelicus) that we are referencing.

How we worship and the language we use reflects what we believe. Lex orandi, lex credendi.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor