The sixth in a series by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf about the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.
By now, if you have followed this series, you are probably forming an answer to “What’s that all about?” when you hear that Bishop Robert Morlino is going to celebrate a Pontifical Mass at the Throne in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.
In the past few columns we explored the solemn outward style of these Masses, including the elaborate symbolic vestments and gestures, the number of ministers, and detail, decorum, and reverence.
What’s up with the Latin?
Latin is the Latin Church’s official language for teaching and for worship.
The Second Vatican Council’s document on sacred worship, Sacrosanctum Concilium, commanded that the Latin language be retained for worship (SC 36).
It required that Gregorian chant (which is in Latin) be given the primary place in our liturgical music along with polyphony (SC 116).