When I was a young woman, my mother noticed my devotion to our Blessed Mother and lovingly passed her personal novena booklet on to me. This little 1950s-era prayer booklet of the Miraculous Medal Novena included Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Latin. It became, and remains, my “go-to” devotional. I have witnessed with awe and gratitude countless answered prayers.
Through my experience and observations, I associate Latin with the most reverent of prayers and higher education. I admire and respect the devotion, piety and prayerfulness of my friends who attend the Latin Mass. However, I believe Pope Francis is right in calling Catholics to embrace the Mass as reformed by the Second Vatican Council. Why?
Because the paradigm set forth by the Holy Spirit, not just at the Second Vatican Council but at Pentecost itself, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, allowed them to preach the Good News of Jesus to all.
For nine days the disciples remained in the Upper Room, fearful yet waiting for the Paraclete as Jesus had promised. It is noteworthy to mention that at that very time, thousands of Jewish pilgrims were gathered from countries far away, speaking many languages. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, courageously went forth into the streets of Jerusalem. They were amazed they were able to speak whatever language necessary to communicate the Good News that Jesus was the Messiah. Over 3,000 people were converted that day!
Jesus commanded, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” The most effective way of doing this is the manner used by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: actively engaging people of every culture in their native tongue.
Melanie S. Rotondi lives in York, S.C.