To the editor:
As Latin is returning to our Mass, we are asking the question, why? Some of the parish members felt the Latin Mass was beautiful, although most everyone participating understood very little. Many participants prayed the Rosary during Mass and still do today.
I remember when the Mass went to English. I don’t recall anyone criticizing the change. It was beautiful to understand the prayers and hymns.
The question now is why our Mass attendance is down? Is it because the past is returning?
Your February 2010 review by Kenneth Wolfe is presenting observations why there is some appeal for the Latin Mass. The way I observe the article is the fact that Popes Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II supported Annibale Bugnini, who was made the secretary to the “Commission for Liturgical Reform.”
Sr. Anne Marie Mongoven’s letter to the Mailbag stated (that while) Archbishop Bugnini was named the author of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (in Wolfe’s review), 2,147 Council Fathers voted “yes” and four Council Fathers voted “no” (to approve the document). Pope Paul VI confirmed the vote.
My understanding is Jesus joined his apostles at the Last Supper, sharing his body and blood. He broke the bread and gave it to his people, not in the mouth but in their hands. Jesus sat in their midst as a family member.
We do a Mass attendance count every October. It will be interesting to see the results for the Madison Diocese with the parishes that endorse Latin and those that do not.
Al Hiebing, Cross Plains