I hate the Latin Mass. More specifically, I love the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, but it grates on my nerves to hear it referred to as “The Latin Mass.” Of course, it’s factually correct; the EF actually is in Latin. but every time I hear it, it feels incredibly defeatist, which starkly contrasts it with that other Mass, where we obviously use English (I mean, why wouldn’t we?). </sarcasm>
To use this term raises the flag of defeat, signaling that we are not going to be following what the Second Vatican Council said about the matter. It signals that we’re content with keeping the Latin for those loony trads at the EF Mass which just happens to have the most inconvenient time in the schedule. It signals that we’re happy with the status quo, regardless of how we got here. It signals that they don’t care about what the church says about the issue. It signals that we care more about our own shallow understanding than faithful obedience.
It signals defeat, and I’m frustrated by it. It’s time to push on, not back down. Despite the common practice in the past 50 years, the Roman Rite is the Latin Mass.
§ 36.1: Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.
§ 54. In Masses which are celebrated with the people, a suitable place may be allotted to their mother tongue. […] Nevertheless steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.