QUAERITUR: Vernacular only readings in traditional Low Mass?
From a reader:
We have a priest that insists on reading the epistle & gospel in the vernacular for each Low Mass only. No one cares for it and it doesn’t even sound right. It impacts the integrity and fluidity I think of the Mass. Despite resistance we are left with no choice as he does it anyway. How do you feel about this?
I have written about this before. It concerns Summorum Pontificum 6. The explanatory document from the PCED, Universae Ecclesiae, says:
26. As foreseen by article 6 of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, the readings of the Holy Mass of the Missal of 1962 can be proclaimed either solely in the Latin language, or in Latin followed by the vernacular or, in Low Masses, solely in the vernacular.
So:
In Solemn Masses or Sung Masses, Latin only or Latin followed by vernacular. Never vernacular alone.
In Low Masses, Latin alone, Latin followed by vernacular, or vernacular alone.
I do NOT think that what is permitted here should be imposed on congregations who don’t want vernacular alone. That would be a terrible idea, if people don’t want it. People should respectfully, politely, express their request for Latin only, or Latin followed by vernacular. Politely… did I mention politely?
Remember, Summorum Pontificum permits this. I can think of some occasions when I might be good to do. I bet you can too.
But to impose the vernacular only option – non-traditional option - on a congregation that clearly doesn’t want it that way? Let’s call that arrogant insensitive clericalism.
