LITURGY AND THE VERN ACULAR

Is Latin Mumbo-Jumbo for Many?
SIR,—I think your correspondents who have written on this subject are inclined to beg the question. If the solution is not easy—at least the problem itself should be stated and fairly met. The problem is that the great majority of English Catholics know no Latin, so that as far as they are concerned their prayers--when in Latin —are meaniaigless. I am not referring to the Mass, which is in an entirely different category from devotional prayers and services.
To the suggestion that to remedy this ridiculous state of affairs the vernacular should he more widely used in our devotional Liturgy, it is replied that this would lead to heresy, retard the conversion of England, destroy European civilisation, or, we should learn Latin—it is quite easy! The correspondent who argues that the Tanturn Ergo is impossible to translate adequately seems unaware of the implication that in that case it is a hymn fit only for
Latin scholars. As for the danger of heresy through the use of the vernacular in prayers, is this not confused with nationalism—a true cause of heresy—but not necessarily to be identified with the vernacular problem'? But why more Latin— instead of less—should help the conversion of England, we are left to guess; it seems to imply that the more unintelligible we make the Faith the more Englishmen will be attracted towards it! Is this one more insult to the intelligence of the English nation? As for the so-called "Catholic atmosphere "-1 do happen to know that it definitely repels would-be enquirers, and is often a source of much distress to converts.
Undoubtedly there are important theological and historico-philosophical reasons for the retention of Latin as the chief medium of our prayers, but the problem stilt remains: are these or any other reasons a sufficient excuse for compelling the great majority of Catholics to praise God in a language they do not understand? In other words—with the best and most pious intentions—are we not praising God with mumbo-jumbo? This is the problem and it should be answered.
J. E. N.
North Dean, High Wycombe, Bucks.