Dear Father L.
I recently had my holiday in the US and I spent it with my relatives there. On a Sunday, I joined them to fulfill my Sunday obligation, and we went to a small and modest church. The mass was entirely in Latin and the liturgy was entirely different. The entire mass has brough me to sleep and I felt I went to see a sad stage show than to Sunday mass. I respectfully told my relatives that I have to attend the real mass. They were horrified to hear my words, and they were claiming that they are now Traditional Roman Catholics and that they prepare the Tridentine or Latin Mass for their Sunday mass. I have observed how my relatives became so devoted to the church and closer to God now than before. Does this mean that Tridentine mass is more effective and valuable than the ordinary mass, or more reverent than the other? Could you explain to me the difference?
Thank you, Father L,
Roberto
Dear Roberto,
The Tridentine Latin Mass, often called the Traditional Latin Mass, is like a royal treasure passed down through centuries. It was officially established after the Council of Trent in the 16th century, and it’s celebrated entirely in Latin. The priest faces the altar, not the people, and most of the prayers are whispered in deep reverence. It’s mystical, solemn, and full of ancient gestures. You really feel like you’re stepping into heaven!
After the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, wanted to help the faithful not only witness the mystery of the Mass but also participate more actively in it. That’s why Pope St. Paul VI introduced what we now call the Mass of Vatican II, or the Novus Ordo. This Mass brought a breath of fresh air to the Church, and not by throwing away the old, but by opening the doors wider.
Here’s what changed, and why it matters:
Language: Instead of Latin alone, the Mass could now be celebrated in the local language, English, Igbo, French, Swahili, you name it! This helped more people understand and connect with the prayers.
Position of the Priest: Now, the priest faces the people. This doesn’t mean he’s turning his back on God. Rather, he gathers us as a family, journeying together toward the altar of the Lord.
Active Participation: You get to respond, sing, pray aloud, and even serve at the altar. The faithful are not spectators but participants in the holy mystery.
Scripture: The new Mass opened up the Bible more! Now we hear a richer variety of readings across Sundays and weekdays. The Word of God echoes more deeply in our hearts.
So why did the Church opt for the New Mass?
Simple: to bring the sacred mysteries closer to the people, to help us not just observe, but to be drawn in, to understand, to love, and to live the Mass. The Church wanted the liturgy to speak not just in ancient beauty, but in today’s language, without losing the heart of Christ’s sacrifice. And guess what? Both forms of the Mass are valid, sacred, and holy. The Tridentine Latin Mass brings out the awe and transcendence of God, while the Vatican II Mass brings God right into the midst of His people. One whispers heaven’s mystery; the other sings it aloud. In the end, the Mass is not just about style, it’s about JESUS. Whether in Latin or English, whispered or sung, He comes to us, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. So, the next time someone argues about which Mass is better, smile and say: Both lead us to the same Jesus, what a beautiful Church we have!
Sincerely,
Father L.,
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