If the Latin Mass is inherently more beautiful than the English

[hedgehog]

Mass, what about other languages? How about Russian or French? Is it the language that is more beautiful or the notion that this language is generally reserved for special duty? If so, why is worshiping God in a language reserved for that purpose more beautiful than the vernacular? It's not a trivial question but gets down to the most basic attitudes towards God. Is he the King of King to be approached on your knees or Abba, to be embraced?

[ElectroPrincess]

1. It's beautiful but only meaningful ...

Well, it's not meaningful unless we can be instructed on the translation.

I enjoy singing "Agnus Dei" during our Parish's Mass.
It is not a difficult range of notes and sounds so beautiful:


Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,

Lamb of God, who take away sins of world,

miserere nobis.

have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,

Lamb of God, who take away sins of world,

dona nobis pacem.

grant us peace.

[Tallison]

3. I don't know that understanding the language in which

mass is conducted is a prerequisite for finding the experience spiritually meaningful. I remember once sitting through a Russian Orthodox Mass throughout which I didn't comprehend a single statement but still felt very spiritually moved by the rich aesthetics of all the ritual. Can't imagine regularly attending a foreign-language Mass, however... :-)

[demosincebirth]

4. As a former alter boy in the 50's, I miss the latin mass.

I miss the old churches, with their little alcoves with statues of the saints. These new churches remind me so much of protestant churches with their plainness

[Matilda]

2. I don't know if the Latin Mass is inherently more beautiful

than the Novus Ordo.

Perhaps that perception arose because the first translations of the
new mass were dreadful - totally banal, written in kindergarten
language. They've improved a bit since then. I don't know about
other languages, but I must admit I don't think English is the
most melodic language to listen to anyway, nor is German. The
Romance languages are easier on the ear, and perhaps part of the
initial reaction was just getting used to doing without the Latin,
which I think is quite lovely to listen to.

Some wonderful music was written for the Latin Mass, but you didn't
necessarily get beautiful music in every mass in every parish -
depended on which mass you went to, and the quality of the musical
director and choir.