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Mumbling priest with back to the congregation

Immaculate Conception Mass

The old Mass with the priest turning his back on the congregation and mumbling to himself in a language nobody understands.

If that is how one views the Traditional form of the Mass, it suggests not only a lack of proper catechesis but also a need to review how the Mass is celebrated in the Ordinary form. It is not a re-enactment of the Last Supper but a re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Calvary. Priest and people are praying to God together, a point that perhaps has got lost with the practice of celebrating facing the people.

As for praying silently - both priest and people are meant to be joining in the prayer. The use of Latin is a matter of practicality, since the Catholic church exists across all national boundaries. The priest can recite silently in Latin whilst the congregation, irrespective of where they come from, can join in the prayers silently in their own languages.

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