The Vatican II church is a new church with a new mass, new doctrines & new teachings. It is a whole new religion. At least Luther and Cranmer left. This ploy of the V2 church is just another way to mislead and corral disenchanted Catholics back into"their fold." The V2 church has spewed nothing but error. What remains is a mere skeleton of the true church. Now they are throwing traditionalists a bone. The true Mass, the Unbloody Sacrifice of theCross, and the new mass, a re-enactment of the Last Supper, cannot co-exist. The mass that Benedict is reinstating is from 1962 and not the Mass of old. Is the pope Catholic? Hardly. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing for the ones who were watching over the sheep were the ones to scatter them.

Mary Bocchino, Sewell, USA/NJ

The Holy Father is a gift to the Church and its faithful servants-the people. In New Hampshire there is planned an extraordinary form using the Missal of John XXIII at Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth New Hampshire(NH) (CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH) at 11am on September 23 2007 ---7/23/07. This will help us reconnect to the true spirit of Vatican II and not some of the excesses and confusion caused by many who rushed to many some questionable changes that is shown in that only 25 % of Catholics practice their faith whereas in the 1960s it was >65%

mj, Concord, NH,USA,

Neither was Paul VI's promulgation of the 1970 missal infallible.
Ex cathedra definitions are only the solemn definitions on faith and morals, not on church government. Anyway Roma locuta, causa finita.

Kamil, Tarnów, Poland

"The Pope’s support for the Latin Mass is only in a personal capacity. He is not speaking “ ex cathedra ". Good to hear that, its hard to pray or praise GOD in a language some people cannot understand.

Kato Liko, Quezon,

It is most frustrating that the media confuses the Mass in Latin or Latin Mass with the Tridentine rite of Mass whis is celebrated in Latin. The rite of Pope Paul VI, or the new rite, may be celebrated in all the vernacular languages, and also in Latin, as is regularly done so as a Sung Mass in Westminster Cathedral at 530pm on most weekdays, and in Low (said) Mass form at 1030. I belive there are sufficient opportunities in the dioceses in England and Wales for the Tridentine Rite; the "new" rite, whether in English or Latin, should not be diminished by the Pope's "indult".

peter Bush, Northampton, England

Non-Catholic readers may wonder why this story is getting so much attention in the national press of a nominally Anglican country. Fans of last year's smash-hit movie "The Da Vinci Code" may be interested to learn that a genuine conspiracy against the history of the Church has been and is being perpetrated against lay Catholics by un-Catholic bishops. (It's as easy to lawfully appoint an un-Catholic bishop as it is to appoint as "Queen's Prime Minister" someone who has republican sympathies.) The result of this conspiracy is that anyone born and baptised since 1969 has no idea that, prior to that time, the Mass was radically different. The function served by the national press in talking openly about the “Tridentine Mass” is similar in its beneficial effects to Catholic laity as the broadcasts by BBC on behalf of the French Resistance.

Clues as to the truth about the Mass may be found by observing historic Catholic art in such places as the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery.

Kevin, London,

While I have not got time to read through all the comments, I wonder how significant it is that the vast majority come from America - perhaps this problem is not so relevant in other parts of the world?

Tacitus, Lisbon, Portugal

Non-Catholic readers may wonder why this story is getting so much attention in the national press of a nominally Anglican country. Fans of last year's smash-hit movie "The Da Vinci Code" may be interested to learn that a genuine conspiracy against the history of the Church has been and is being perpetrated against lay Catholics by un-Catholic bishops. (It's as easy to lawfully appoint an un-Catholic bishop as it is to appoint as "Queen's Prime Minister" someone who has republican sympathies.) The result of this conspiracy is that anyone born and baptised since 1969 has no idea that, prior to that time, the Mass was radically different. The function served by the national press in talking openly about the "Tridentine" Mass is similar in its beneficial effects to Catholic laity as the broadcasts by BBC on behalf of the French Resistance.

Clues as to the truth about the Mass may be found by observing historic Catholic art in such places as the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery.

Kevin, London,

I am so glad. Here in Brazil the Mass is conducted by "Performing Priests "' in front of captive audiences,who think that they are the centre of attention and not the Eucharistic Sacrifice. We are then subjected to a sermon inspired by Marxism. the Brazilian Council of Bishops propagates Communism under the guise of liberation theology!

Janet Rocha, Salvador, Brazil

The question surrounding the reinstatement of the Traditional Latin Mass to the public worship and sacramental life of the Roman Catholic Church is not merely a question of what language is used during Mass. Those who continue to think that this is the central issue will never understand the liturgical dilema plaguing the Church today. The use of Latin is an important issue for Catholics adhering to the Traditional Rite of the Church, but not the central issue. If that were the case Tradtional Catholics would be satisfied with the Mass of Pope Paul IV celebrated in Latin to fulfill such a need. At the center of the issue at hand is not only language but the Rite of Mass itself...that is the order or sequence and manner which the prayers and liturgical actions occur during Mass. The question of directional worship (i.e. Mass "facing the people" vs. Mass facing the East) is also very important as well as the sacramental distinction of roles between ordained priests and laity.

charles smith, Pharr, Texas

I have been waiting a long time for the Latin Mass to return without the local Bishop having a say. In Calgary we can attend the Latin Mass daily and it is beautiful. We had this Mass before our current Bishop was appointed, who has indicated he is not in favor of it.

Jim Keating, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

The little blurb on Papal Power, reportedly taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia, has some errors. Infallibility normally belongs to the Pope alone, but when a properly called Ecuemenical Council (such as Vatican II, Trent, Nicea, etc) takes place, its pronouncements that define matters of faith and morals also become part of the infallible teaching of the Church.

Pope Benedict is not invoking infallibility on the authorizing of the Tridentine Mass because such authorization simply is not a matter of defining faith and morals. However, any impression given that a papal motu proprio does not have to be obeyed is false. A motu proprio must be obeyed according to the terms which are defined by its author; so, essentially, the Pope writes what he is directing, and then writes the manner in which it must be obeyed. It is completely up to the Pope to determine what, if any, deviation from his direction may take place.

The Pope has full authority even when not "infallible."

Rev. Fr. Michael Lee, Sparta, TN USA

Last time I went to Latin Mass (which was Tridentine at that time), half the congregation was praying the Rosary and I (an Anglican) was the only one making responses. I felt so out of place I stopped talking too...While I get the fingernails on a chalkboard reaction to the way the current English liturgy was written - not to mention the "music" - surely having the liturgy in a language understanded of the people, so that everyone participates, is preferable to a return to pews full of elderly ladies reverently paying no attention. You RC's are welcome to borrow the former Anglican liturgy- if you look in old Books of Common Prayer under "Holy Communion", you'll find it was lifted in a solid block from the 16th century Mass, with everything John D could ask for in the way of oblation and sacrifice.

Hotspur, Albany NY ,

There are two "Latin" Masses, the "old" Tridentine Mass, and the "revised" post-Vatican 2 Latin Mass. There are huge differences between them, although the central act of the Mass, the Consecration, is the same. Traditionalists are not just ideologues: they miss something extremely beautiful. Though technically still on the books, Latin in either rite was rarely approved, thus Lefebvre et al: the bishops brought his movement on themselves. However, it is also true that elements of the old Mass had to go--even its most ardent supporters must see that for all its liturgical beauty, certain aspects were inimical to both Christian unity and open dialogue with the Jews. Getting dialogue with other faiths at the cost of the beauty, universality and reverence of the old Mass was painful but necessary. Restoring it to heal some of our own divisions is fine, but with huge caveats: Rome must be careful. In any case, very few priests can actually say a Latin Mass.

Anne Armitage, Beverly, MA USA

My church routinely holds masses in three different languages with special masses incorporating all three at once. Going back to the Latin mass would be no problem and would probably unite us even more.

Cass Watson, Malaysia,

To Rose in New Zealand - Of course the Mass requires sacrifice "ruined the knees", "Plus the bitter cold of mid winter days and freezing draughts." because Christ did much more to suffer for us than we could ever do. The Mass is a continuation of that sacrifice and by participating in it you do more to unite yourself with God than just contemplating a blade of grass. St. Padre Pio said "the world could exsist more easily without the sun than without the Mass" and he also refused to say the Pauline rite, having gotten permission to say the Tridentine Mass he loved so much. Unfortunatley Catholics in America will be asked to make the choice of Latin or not, and most of them don't understand the true difference. Will there be a formal split in America? Yes, because most Catholics in America are already Protestants in thier hearts by an easy life and not enough emphasis on their ultimate spirtitual life.

Theresa M, San Jose, CA, USA

We have multiple Masses every Saturday and hSunday in every church in Houston. Depending on where your parish is, you can worship in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Swahili, Cantonese, Mandarin, etc. Why not one in Latin? I think it'd be great! I'd go in a heartbeat. If you didn't want to go, you could just go to your regular English Mass - no worries.

Audrey McMurray, Houston, TX

A.C. Truth wrote: "There is no such ritual found anywhere in the Bible, the Word of God, which is the basis of all true Christianity."

A.C.:
Christ is the basis of all Christianity. Christ did not write a book; he founded a Church. Christianity is not the product of the Book; the Book is the product of Christianity, of Christ's Church.

God bless-

john, Upper Michigan,

Latin is a small part of the issue. The traditional Latin Mass expresses a clearly Catholic theology, while the Novus Ordo (i.e., vernacular Mass) has an ambiguous theology. As Lefebvre used to say, "Better the old Mass in English than the new Mass in Latin".

Bryant E. Bushling, Coeur D ALene, ID

The return of the Mass in Latin, by returning the rite to one of mystery would, in all likelihood, increase the attendance at Mass.
Religion thrives on mystery and exclusivity, it relies neither on logic nor reasonableness.
Benedict has a greater understanding of what drives religion than his forebears who thought that making the whole thing more accessible would improve understanding. The last thing releigion needs to succeed is that the congregatation understands what's going on! Mystery is all.

Bill Q, Derby,

Why have "mass" at all? There is no such ritual found anywhere in the Bible, the Word of God, which is the basis of all true Christianity.
In fact, the word "mass" does not appear anywhere in the Bible. Why do anything with a dead language nobody understands? It would be far better to simply read the Bible in the local language than to perform a man-made rite which purports to present Christ as a wafer, another invention of the Catholic church which has no foundation whatsoever in the Word of God.

A.C., Truth,

Dear A.C., Truth! Where in the bible is the called the "bible"? Who put the bible together? Was it before of after the first Mass called the Last Supper by Christ. "He who eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood will have life everlasting." "DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME." I think we are following Christ by word and example to the letter! It's in the Bible!

TAD, Louisville, USA/Ohio

Something not pointed out here is that it's not only about the Mass in Latin, it's about the content of the old Mass vs. the Novus Ordo vernacular mass. The theology of the Novus Ordo is NOT the same as that of the Tridentine. The prayers are NOT the same! The real issue here is to return to the Mass as a SACRIFICE! The Novus Ordo dropped 43 prayers that were contained in the Tridentine(Roman) Rite. These prayers spoke of "oblation," and "sacrifice," and "offering." Others contained detailed declarations involving our belief in the the "Communion of saints," which is a call for the saints in heaven to pray for us, as in the "old" Confiteor , which has all but disapperared in the protestantised Novus Ordo...But that's what the N.O was/is all about. To please protestants in the name of "ecumenism." Personally, I never asked to become a protestant, and don't want to be, Thank You! When the Church returns to the Tridentine Mass, its eclipse will end.
John D., Nahant, M

John D'Orlando, Nahant, MA

Actually, Latin mass as offered in Britain is quite optimal -- one weeknight per week, no 'policical' significance or baggage, simply a means of augmenting to and enriching the liturgical week most of which takes place in the vernacular. It seems to be only in the US that Latin is associated with strange reactionaries, whilst vernacular is associated with closet Unitarians. One particularly lovely feature of the Latin is its salutary reminder to all that they are part of a universal, transnational faith community, rather than simply 'English Catholics' or 'American Catholics' or ...

Maynard, Oxford, UK

As the government wishes to have Muslim Imams who speak and understand English, preaching in English, presumably the Latin Mass would not be permissable in the UK?

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Garrett,

It is you comment that is irrevelant.

Tony, Toronto, Canada

Don't understand the fuss. No one will be forced to attend an old Mass and if it helps some people, why not? I might even go back to church if this happens.

What might even be better would be to translate the pre-1962 Mass into the vernacular languages. This would satisfy everyone. People don't realize how different the old Mass is from the new Mass.

Art, Littleton, New Hampshire

If local priests/congregations are allowed to decide, I think it is a great idea. Personally, I do not speak Latin, so I would prefer it stay in English in my city. However, having the Mass spoken only in Latin would force us to learn an additional language, which wouldn't be so bad either.

Steve, Papillion, Nebraska, U.S.A.

The globalisation of war, poverty, drug abuse, the spread of radicalised Islamic terrorism, child abuse, landmines.... good to see His Holiness is making the most of his limited time by tackling the important issues first.

crashingdashingkid, near Wales, England

Archbishop Lefebvre (who will be declared a saint one day) did not break away from the Catholic Church. In fact he remained truly Catholic while the Vatican and the majority of the bishops and priests joined the Vatican II religion. Vatican II was not infallible, not dogmatic like all the other councils before. The new "mass" in the vernacular is more protestant than Catholic. It has created disunity. The Traditional Catholic Mass in Latin creates unity; that Mass is essentially the Mass given to us by Christ and the Apostles. The new vernacular "mass" doesn't even use the same words of consecration and was written by a freemason with the help of 6 protestants; it was a fabrication! The Council of Trent dogmatically and infallibly declared that the Sacraments can never be changed nor new ones created. But after Vatican II that was disobeyed by the Vatican and the majority of the bishops and priests. True Catholics obeyed the Council of Trent and remain faithful to Catholicism.

Jason, Louisiana,

A quick review of the 1962 missal with today's version will clearly indicate, to even the most uninterested, that the Tridentine Mass is a total departure from the Bugnini creation of 1969 and revised ad nauseum. The mass of Paul VI embraces modernity and its culture. Subsequently it has no power to transform the culture. The Tridentine Mass is truly a sacrifice offered by a priest in persona Christi, both victim and priest. It is the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Our Lord to the Father for the remission of our sins. The current mass is barely recognizable as a sacrifice and attempts to celebrate our diversity in the vernacular and our culture of death and sin. The Tridentine mass offered for over 500 years with very few changes demonstrated its ability to Christianize the Western world and create a God centered society and culture. A track record very hard to argue with. I welcome it back.

John Smith, Midwest, USA

It is sad that the article implies that as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctine of the Faith, Pope Benedict's were harsh and even vindictive. When it comes to ordination of new bishops, there is protocol to follow; Archbishop LeFebvre did not do so, hence the discipline.
Sad too that those who love the rich expression of faith in the Blessed Sacrament as conveyed in the Tridentine Right is described as "nostalgia".
They had to take a couple more shots at Catholics and the Church.
The Novus Ordo prayed devoutly, with proper decorum and Gregorian Chant used throughout is almost as beautiful.
If diversity is beautiful, then having the Tridentine Mass alongside the Novus Ordo is a very beautiful thing.

J. P., Omaha, NE

I support the effort to make the Tridentine mass a legitimate option for any and all Catholics, not just those fortunate to live in a diocese with a magnanimous bishop.
I have a concern, though, that it will do little to ensure that the 90% and more of churchgoing Catholics (a minority, in turn, of the total Catholic population) who will still prefer the vernacular, have a mass that is both reverent and faithful in translation to the original. The U. S. bishops have been dragging their feet for years on the Vatican's efforts to correct the questionable and banal mistranslations foisted on English-speaking Catholics - e.g., how can you get "and also with you" out of "et cum spiritu tuo", or worse, "one in being" out of "consubstantialem Patri"? (That was the very phrase, albeit in Greek, that defined the Divine Nature of Our Lord at Nicaea and refuted the Arian heresy!) For the sake of the majority of Catholics, the highest priority should be a faithful vernacular translation.

Randall Matke, Kensington, MD

If it's the language of the currency that's the issue, then I would suggest the US dollar bill is the one to be used, as it has a few Latin words printed on it, including the words Novus Ordo strangely enough.

One other thing: the inscription above Christ's Cross was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Tridentine Mass is solely in those three languages. Very fitting indeed. Thank you for restoring all things in Christ, BXVI.

BobP, Chicago,

The Roman Catholic mass is sufficiently mysterious and unintelligible to most non-Catholics that it could be said in Swahili and nobody would know the difference. Ah yes, the Latin mass – just one more way for the Church to make itself seem even more irrelevant in a world where simple folk are searching for meaning in an oil-driven war torn world of materialistic values.

As a youngster, I memorized the prayers and responses as all altar boys must. Too bad the Latin words meant nothing to me. For the many who can’t even read a newspaper, leaving the mass in the local vernacular is the way to go.

Benedict is a true reactionary – embracing the past and oblivious to the present.

Garrett, San Francsico, USA

God Bless Pope Benedict XVI for restoring the right to celebrate the beautiful Latin Mass. Will bishops have the authority to prevent the Mass from being said in his diocese?

Lawrence Jansen, Racine, Wisconsin

I'd like to see this issue placed into the hands of the people. On the first Sunday of September, be sure to attend mass at the time and church you prefer. The people vote at that mass on what language is to be used at that mass. Votes are counted by the parish council. No member of the clergy at any level has any say in the issue. After all, it is the people who have to listen to it. A 3/4 majority would be needed for it to pass. I find it appalling that the language used to worship God was used as an excuse to excommunicate someone. Thank goodness God has the final say!!!!

Melanie Braukman, Villa Hills, USA/Kentucky

If the New Mass was "universally replaced by the local language version. In theory Mass in Latin could still be said but only with special permission from the local bishop for a particular occasion." as stated in this article. Why then does it take the permission of the local bishop if a priest wants to say the Mass in Latin, just another language?

The answer is, that the above quote from the article is wrong! The Latin Mass is not the New Mass in Latin, it is a totally different Rite of Mass, traditions, culture, belief. The Old Latin Mass is what our generation missed out on. It is like nothing else that we expereinced. It is mystery, sacred, inspiring and challenging. Thats why you need the permission of the local bishop and thats why the Pope very generously will release it to all those who want it. That seems very fair to me considering "the old Latin rite was never abolished or forbidden" D.G.

Tim MOrgan, Wanganui, NZ

I have memories of the Latin Mass in my younger days, but I prefer the Novus Order because its in our native tongue. The drone of Latin meant little to the congregations of years ago. Most said their rosary as the priest raced through the Latin. One local priest could say the whole Mass in 10-15 minutes flat!!
What does such a performance mean? You must all have very short memories or else you grew up without it.
Theres lots of kneeling too. It ruined the knees of many people on hard wooden kneelers. Plus the bitter cold of mid winter days and freezing draughts.
Often wondered what God really thought about it?
Our modern English Mass is somewhere you feel you belong, and you can have holy communion under both kinds and have your wonderful hands Blessed by the Eucharist as well.
What a lot of Blessings and Priviledges we are thinking of giving up for what?? The Presence of God is even in a blade of grass.
Not for me thanks!!!

Rose Hogan, Invercargill, New Zealand

Latin is not the most important feature of the traditional Latin Mass. It is its theology. As Lefebvre used to say, "Better the old Mass in English than the new Mass in Latin".

Bryant E. Bushling, Coeur D ALene, ID

Ultimately, it's not a question of Latin or vernacular; the Novus Ordo Mass may be said in Latin.
It's a question of two different liturgies - the historic, traditional Roman liturgy stretching back to the early Church, or the Mass of Paul VI, stretching back to 1970. In theory, both can be said in the vernacular (and, in fact, the 1965 Missal was essentially the traditional Mass in the vernccular)

Lou Pizzuti, Clay, USA / NY

Perhaps Mr Truth should examine a little bit of history. St Ignatius of Antioch, St Justin Martyr, St Irenaeus and the other ante-Nicene fathers describe the content of Holy Mass; the central act of Christian worship centuries before the compilation of the New Testement canon by the Catholic Church.

These ante-nicene fathers were bishops ordained by the apostles with their practices those the apostles handed down.

Scripture itself reflects these practices. St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians describes the sacrifice of the Mass. St Paul also informs us that the practice is performed in direct response to Christ's command of "do this as a memorial of me" at the last supper during which the Eucharist is instituted.

Mark Higgins, University of Warwick, England

Viva il papa! This issue doesn't deal with infallibility -- the Tridentine Rite, which was the universal Mass in the Latin Church for 1500 years, is still valid and celebrated. The motu proprio merely gives every priest the right to say it publicly. It is necessary and welcome because many "progressive" bishops have literally forbidden their priests to say it. So this is useful reaffirmation of the rights of the faithful by His Holiness. - as well as a restoration of a beautiful rite which has been shoved aside by the "Hootenanny Mass" generation (the less said about them, the better).

Chris Inwien, The Valley, Virginia

Long overdue! When Mass was said in Latin the Church was packed with the faithful. If one researches traditional movements it can be seen that there is an ample supply of priests and nuns. We need to get back to our roots. The Church has become too liberal. It's time to call the faithful back.

Seamas , Keene, NH

Most of the above remarks are pinning one group against the other. The Mass is prayed for UNITY of all God's people.
Would Jesus be pleased with the negative comments against your brothers and sisters, even if some are true? No, He died so we would forgive and be forgiven. I like the Reverence and Prayers of the Latin Mass, but I wish they were in English. I can follow along though, but the Latin Mass does not have the 3 yr. cycle of Scripture and Psalms and does not inclued the new Saints we have now. So the Universal Church isn't on the same page with the Latin Mass Community because different readings are being used, except on Major Feasts like Christmas, Pentecost, etc., etc. I like both the old and the new, but not the division many people sow.

am, Lenexa,

The return of this beautiful Tridentine Mass has long been anticipated. If you have never attended this ancient rite, you may be surprised at the beauty, holiness and reverence you will experience. The Latin language is used because it is a pure language, not corrupted with the everyday vulgaries of the venacular, the language of the streets. Forty years ago you could attend Mass in any country of the world and feel at home with all Masses being said in one language, Latin. Some of the prayers of this Holy Mass date back to St. Peter himself. Enough of the innovations and novelties we have today in some parishes! Thanks be to God for Pope Benedict XVI!

Michele, Baldwin,

The papal bull "quo primum" issued in 1570 states that the tridentine latin mass can be said by any priest any time and that if anyone denied this he would incur the wrath of Almighty God. Pope St. Pius V 1570.This was not changeable or revocable at any time. Look it up,try google,its there.

Bill, Norwalk , California USA

It isn't just about the Mass being said in Latin. "Latin Mass" actually means the Liturgy as it was celebrated before Vatican II. If they had that Mass translated appropriately into English, there'd be no problem.

There is a substantial difference in the substance of the Mass as it was celebrated before Vatican II and the so-called 'Novus Ordo.' Remembering even that Vatican II never called for an entirely 'new' Mass. Theologians are still working on the difference in substance but one thing is for sure, there's a lot more reverence and respect in the pre-Vatican II Liturgy and the theology it reflected was more finely tuned. That will happen after centuries-long development.

Kevin Symonds, St. Louis, Missouri

Language is the vehical of culture, and there is a wealth of Catholic culture that cannot be understood without the Latin language. It would do us a lot of good to use this sacred tounge. Besides a dead language is a stable language. It's stability is a plus, when it comes to expressing eternal truths. So we have to learn another language. Aren't we multicultural and tolerant?

Steve, Belen, NM

AC Truth, a few more thoughts for you to ponder -- if that is you are living up to your name there and seeking unbias Truth.

What did the early Church fathers believe when it came to the Eucharist?

Why did St. Paul say in 1 Corinthians 11: "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily sins against the Body and Blood of the Lord. A man should examine himself first; only then should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement on himself. "

Doesn't that sound like it's a pretty big deal? If it was just a "wafer" why would it be a sin? Why would it matter?

Why were the early Christians often charged and persecuted for being "cannibals."

Whether you agree or not, there is a solid foundation within the Bible for it's beliefs. Nothing is new under the Son, some people in His time had a hard time believing it then and some of us still do.

Geoff, Perth, Australia

The Pope does not need "infallability to proclaim the Latin Mass. .Infallability was proclaimed in 1670, by Pope St PiusV The New Cathol\lic Church broke its own laws end dogmas by getting rid of TRENT . All Popes Cardinals Bishops and Priest took an oath before GOD to teach the truth of the Catholic faith. They, in their so called wisdom new it better. They broke their oath.The prayer after mass Asking protection of St Michael also was eleminated We all know the results of wat the Church has gone through The new Protestant Catholic church is not guided by the Holy Spirit since 1967 as they all lost their faith in the REAL Catholic Church. .

ted, vancouver, canada

Why is so much reporting of Religion so full of innacuracies as in your report? The Catholic Church introduced a new rite of the Mass, known as the Novus Ordo, in the 60's. Its definitive form is in Latin which has been translated into the various vernacular languages.In practice the vernacular form of this Mass replaced the Latin form and led to a widespread 'make it up as you go along' liturgy. This was not the original intention, and the negative results could be reversed by returning to Latin as the norm for the new rite. The Old Rite, or Tridentine Mass,( in fact it goes back 1500 years or more), was only ever said in Latin. It is is this Mass that is to be allowed more freely by Pope Benedict. The Latin Mass may be in either the New or Old rite. The Latin Mass ,new rite, is broadcast daily on Vatican Radio.

WK Simpson, London , UK

A.C. Truth, The Catholic Church did not invent a wafer to represent Christ. Perhaps you need to reread your bible for it clearly states that Jesus said: 'Take and eat; this is my Body which is given for you.'
Do a little reading without prejudgment and you may acutally see a different truth.

BPL, Frederick, MD

The word "Bible" doesn't appear in the Bible either. Just a thought.

Nick, n.p., mn.

Thes was not subject to tampering with by indivdual priests. It was a unifying force in the CHurch, Mass was always the same everywhere in the World. The New Mass has been a disaster. Just check the stats on the number of people who claim to be Catholic and do not assist at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, who think they can pick and choose what to accept of the True Faith. Who doubt the Real Presence, etc.
Vatican II and its aftermath was the disaster that Our Blessed Mother really revealed at Fatima in the Third Secret.

Frederick Hoeck, Leonardtown, MD

A.C. Truth, says the mass is not in the Bible. he or she is incorrect. The mass has two parts: the liturgy of the word - which is reading scripture as AC suggests and the liturgy of the Eucharist. This is based directly on the words of Jesus at the last supper: "Take this and eat it. This is my body...Do this in memory of me." The early Christians said mass and we still use many of the same prayers they prayed. As for language, I understand the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic & Greek and was translated to Latin very early on. Check your history. I would just like to see the Tridentine mass be freely available to those who love it and to see the Catholic Church united in belief.

SKA, Columbus, Ohio

Since 1969 I have waited patiently for the return of the beauty and glory due to God the comes from the celebration of the Latin Mass. Although there has been a a deep sadness in my heart throughout the years since the institution of the Novus Ordo I have always felt that Our Lord would rescue us from this trial through the efforts of a strong and Holy Pontiff. With great joy and humility I will dust off my Missal and face the tabernacle with the Priest in awe of this perpetual Sacrifice given to us by Jesus...

John, Concord,

The Holy Father is giving those priests and Catholics who wish to celebrate and attend the Traditional Latin Mas permission to do so. I don't see any thing wrong with giving permission. He is not mandating or speaking ex cathedra or we are not speaking of infallibility here. It is permission and at the discretion of the priest without needing permission from the local bishop.

I truly believe that those cardinals and bishops who are so strongly opposed to this are in fear that many Catholics, especially young Catholics will see the beauty of this liturgy and abandon in droves those parishes where the Mass is celebrated in the vernacular. There is a tremendous difference in the two. One lifts one's spirit to the Heavens and the other is just mundane.

Thank you Holy Father for this blessing and may it reap much fruit.

Stella, Austin, Tx

A return to the Latin Mass would be a tremenously positive move for unifying East and West. God Bless the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI!

Mary Ann Button, O.D., Klamath Falls, , OR

FInally Amen... May this be the start of return to tradition an away from the failures of V2...

Canisius, New york,

I am not Roman Catholic, but rather Eastern Orthodox in a parish that uses the Western (old Anglican) Rite. An older RC who remembers the Latin liturgy fondly would feel pretty comfortable in our parish, even though the Liturgy is in "old" English.
In my view, Vatican II really threw out the liturgical baby with the bath water. The glorious music of several centuries was abandoned for folk guitar pap and Baptist hymns here in America. In the RC parish where I attended three funerals recently, hardly anyone crosses himself, genuflects, or shows any respect to the cross or the priest. It is all so informal, like saying "Hi y'all" to God.
Now if that sort of thing is your preference, and if it meets the theological requirements of the Vatican, then that should be your choice. If not, then I agree with His Holiness that the Latin Mass should be an option.

James McCarty, Fort Worth, TX,

Why have "mass" at all? There is no such ritual found anywhere in the Bible, the Word of God, which is the basis of all true Christianity.
In fact, the word "mass" does not appear anywhere in the Bible. Why do anything with a dead language nobody understands? It would be far better to simply read the Bible in the local language than to perform a man-made rite which purports to present Christ as a wafer, another invention of the Catholic church which has no foundation whatsoever in the Word of God.

A.C., Truth,

Joseph, your comment appears to be the most reasonable of those above. I love the Reverence and Prayers of the pre-1962 Mass. I follow the Mass reading the English on the opposite side of the page. Still, I wish they would just use the English language, keeping the Reverence for the Eucharist of the pre-1962 Mass. Another problem for the pre-1962 Mass is it doesn't include the many new Saints we have now. Our Feast Days do not always land on the same days, so it sometimes has entirely different readings than the rest of the Universal Church. The part I like best about the New Order of the Mass is the 3 yr. Cycles where we will get more bible readings, whereas the Latin Mass schedule does not have that. I like being able to get all the Scripture with the thread linking both the New and Old Testament readings; and the beautiful Psalms. This is what I miss most when attending a Latin Mass. So, I like parts of both the Old and the New. Who can please all the people...like new and old wine?

am, Lenexa,

To Ed Reid in Chapel Hill:

Apparently you don't know exactly what "Latin" is. Latin is the language of the Catholic Church and has been for millennia. You're confusing it with "Latin America", I suspect.

Though I'm sure that your parish would enjoy recieving some "Latin" currency in the collection plate, ancient Roman coins are worth a mint.

Ethan, Tampa, FL, USA

I attend the Tridentine (Latin) Mass every Sunday and am very grateful for its availability here in the Washington, D. C. area. There are families with children, seniors, teenagers, young adults, etc. who attend the mass. It is a beautiful mass and well worth the hour's drive. There is reverence and mysticism that is not experienced in an English, Spanish or whatever language mass. If you are more comfortable attending a local language mass then by all means go, its better than missing mass because the choir practices once a year at Christmas and only has tone deaf volunteers.

Katie Gatley, Hollywood, USA/Maryland

Bobby - Regardless of what language the Bible was written in (and noting that Jesus is rather more likely to have spoken Latin than English, which would be far-fetched even allowing for divine prescience...), Latin has been the universal language of the Church for the best part of two millenia. If it is dead, it is only because the Church killed it. Before Vatican II, every Catholic in the world knew and understood the Latin Mass and could therefore understand church services in any country in the world. Now we are reduced to a new Babel. If there is to be a universal language for the Church, there are sensible arguments for using Latin rather than a modern language, which would privelege its speakers above others.

Tom, London, UK

We used to say at school. Latin is a language as dead as dead can be, first it killed the Romans now, its killing me!! Seriously, who is the Pope, because I can find neither him, nor Latin anywhere in my bible. Did not the Lord on this Earth speak ancient Aramaic?And was the entire BIBLE NOT WRITTEN IN THAT LANGUAGE AND
GREEK??Funny , I see,pastors,prophets,teachers,evangalists,apostles, elders, deacons and bishops, sheperds , kings and queens,pharo's, to but name a few... but no mention in the King James version old and new language versions, and many others, NIV, Standard American, etc etc. of a pope? I know they exist, but why?To read Latin? Seven hills, Romulis and Remus, the book of revelation. Don't want to be in that place at the end of time!! Pope or no pope... and babylon, are they not the same place... but they didn't speak only Latin there did they...But please don't tell me there was a pope in babylon...please!!

Rod Jennings, Maidstone, United Kingdom

Latin has been the official language of the Church almost since the beginning of the Church itself. Befiore Vatican II, a Catholic could go to Mass anywhere in the WORLD and hear the exact same Mass that was said in their own home parish. There was no need for a Spanish Mass, English Mass, etc. and anyone who isn't literate enough to follow along in their native language can offer prayers along with the priest. Being a "dead" language just means that there are no changes being made to it, not that it is useless. At a Tridentine Mass people actually dress up for church, and women veil, as they understand they are in the presence of Holiness. I am a protestant and having made the rounds in Catholic parishes, I am convinced the holiness and reverence experienced at the Latin Mass is other wordly.

Theresa Green, Wilmington, Delaware

the latin mass is beautiful!!!! In MN they have a Sunday mass in latin with the symphony orchestra playing. It take 2 hours but it is two hours of feeling like you are already in Heaven

linda, beloit, wi

Did not one of the Popes issue the right to celebrate the Tridentine Mass in perpetuity? Yet the move to the Novus Ordo was forced and although not technically banned, Bishops were complicit in stifling it and silencing priests who challenged them. Just like people think that not eating meat on Fridays was repealed, it never was, but an allowance to substitute prayers or an act of pennance, because Friday is the penitential day of the week. When is the last time you heard a priest speak about that? Or artificial contraception? The silence is deafening in the pews.
By offering Catholics the opportunity to experience the Tridentine Mass can only help many to rediscover their history, heritage and holiness. Some won't like it, That's o.k., we will still have Mass in the venacular. The important thing is we are Catholic, and Christ desires unity among us. We should all be able to attend both forms legitimate worship and raise our voices to God.

Dan, Baltimore, Maryland

The fact that Latin is a "dead" (i.e., unchanging) language is precisely why it must be used for the Mass. Allowing the Mass in the vernarcular has resulted in its corruption, with priests introducing their own ideas seemingly at will. With the Latin Mass, every Catholic Mass would be identical - worldwide - without exception.

As far as saying the Mass in Aramaic or Greek, that is simply not part of the 2000 year tradition of the Church...but I'm sure it sounds great to some who think they know better than the Church.

Finally, Archbishop LeFebvre rejected the novelties introduced at V2 because they broke with the 2000 year tradition of the Church, and he could foresee the destructive impact they would have. He was, of course, correct, as the Church has heretofore been brought to its knees. Restoration of the true Mass would be the first step toward resolving this crisis and reversing the devastating moral decay that grips the world.

T. M., Sussex, New Jersey

Latin and Gregorian chant are supposed to have "pride of place" in the Mass, according to the documents of Vatican II. This is obviously not being followed.

Additionally, to say that Latin is a dead language means only that it is unchangable, unchangeable to the latest fads and newspeak of the day. "Dead" does not mean it is no longer used. Just ask any scientist or doctor.

We are supposed to be OBEDIENT. Catholicism is not a democracy. The Mass I go to uses Latin and English, not like the Tridentine. It is a beautiful Mass. The meaning of the words at Mass have been watered down so much and have not been translated into English to say what the Latin actually says. Most Catholics would be astounded at how they have been robbed of the beauyty and majesty of the Mass because of this watering down by the ICEL.

Steve Reisiger, CIncinnati, Ohio

The choice was not at a priests discretion. It had to be approved by the local Bishop. JP II had asked that each diocese had one parish where a Latin Mass was offered but not all of his brother Bishops responded.

will spencer, dubuque,

It's about time this document came out - i can't wait - as I am fed up with DIY liturgies and happy clappies.

Thank God this document will finally happen

dominie stemp, Burwash, East sussex

In the name of Catholic unity this is a great move by Pope Benedict XVI!

John Florio, Fairborn, Ohio

This is the start of the return to our Faith. A new springtime. Little by little, the Traditional Latin Mass will reverse the horrendously negative trends of the past 40 years. The priests in New York are already commencing Latin language instruction for lay people based on the Pope's directives. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Tom, New York, NY

The Catholic mass is conducted in multiple languages in the US for the benefit of many immigrant populations. If there are enough immigrants from Latin to justify offering the mass for them in Latin, so be it. The priest can also preach in Latin and the announcements can be read in Latin. The collection plate can then be filled with Latin currency.

However, if my parish wants to continue to receive my contributions in US currency, it would be wise to continue to offer the mass in the common language of the US.

Ed Reid, Chapel Hill, NC

Why not have Mass in Aramaic, since that's what Jesus spoke. Or in Greek, since that's what the New Testament was written in?
Latin is a dead language, that NONE of the books of the Bible was written in.

Bobby, Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania

It's important to distinguish that this new document will make the pre-1962 version of the Mass that was always celebrated in Latin more widely available. However, the priest has always had the option of saying the current version in Latin and this option does not require the approval of the local bishop. This article reads as though Latin was banned after Vatican II, which is not the case.

Joseph Clarke, Blaine, MN

I totally agree in bringing back the Latin Mass. Since the Liberal Cardinals of the church forced the mass in the vernacular upon the people, after the death of Pope John XXIII, the mass has lost the reverence it once had.

Robert White, Taylor, MI

Well, it is about time. The Mass is best said in Latin. If one needs a translation, they have only to go buy a Missal. It was the Fairies who wanted the Mass said in the local language so they didn't have to study Latin, an ordeal that requires discipline and study and therefore separates the Fairies from the Men. Now the Vatican must mandate that the Priests wear their hair short and no pony tails.

T.C., Eagle River, Alaska, U.S.A.