|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Above: pope Pius XI with Monsignor Carlo Confalonieri, circa 1920.
Exactly a century ago, on October 20, 1924, Pope Pius XI issued the Motu Proprio Latinarum litterarum, establishing a special chair of Latin literature at the Pontifical Gregorian University. This initiative aimed not only to revive the study of Latin but also to underscore its enduring relevance within the Church. Pope Pius XI poignantly described Latin as “tamquam magnifica cælestis doctrinæ sanctissimarumque legum veste,” or “a magnificent garment of heavenly doctrine and the holiest laws.”
Pope Pius XI’s commitment to the clergy’s education was unmistakable, as evidenced by this initiative—the third in a series of calls to action following apostolic letters concerning seminaries (Officiorum omnium, August 1, 1922) and the studies of Religious (Unigenitus Dei Filius, March 19, 1924). His unwavering dedication underscored the critical importance of Latin studies within the Church.
Highlighting Latin’s integral role in literary education and priestly formation, the Motu Proprio emphasized its deep connection to the Church’s doctrine and mission. Latin served not only as a means of communication but also as a bridge between past and future generations of the Church. By elevating the clergy’s proficiency in Latin, Pope Pius XI sought to enrich their spiritual and intellectual growth, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language as a divine gift.
This occasion prompts us to reflect on the significance of the Latin language in sacred music and Catholic liturgy, particularly in light of the teachings outlined in a solemn document such as the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (1962–1965).
A profound connection exists between the Catholic Church and Rome—a city immortalized by Dante as “that Rome where Christ is Roman” (Purgatorio 32:102)—and thus the city is recognized as the heart and center of Christianity. This enduring bond transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, embodying the universality of the Church of God, which is Catholic, as emphasized by Benedict XV, “nullamque apud gentem vel nationum extranea,” and not an intruder in any country; nor is she alien to any people.[1] When the Church of Rome inherited the Roman Empire, she also embraced the Latin language as a universal vehicle of faith. This language is fundamental and indelible, serving as “an abundant well-spring of Christian civilization and a very rich treasure trove of devotion” within the Latin Church, as noted by Paul VI.[2] Moreover, it remains the native language of the ancient prayers and teachings of the Church Fathers.
The importance of the Church’s musical tradition is underscored in Sacrosanctum Concilium, which states, “The main reason for this preeminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy” (n. 112). Throughout history, numerous Popes, including St. Gregory the Great († 604), Benedict XIV († 1758), Leo XII († 1829), Pius VIII († 1830), Gregory XVI († 1846), Pius IX (1878), Leo XIII († 1903), St. Pius X († 1914), Pius XI († 1939), and Pius XII († 1958), have championed this tradition, recognizing its profound spiritual significance.
Sacrosanctum Concilium promotes the restoration and ongoing commitment to this tradition, mandating,
The typical edition of the books of Gregorian chant is to be completed, and a more critical edition is to be prepared of those books already published since the restoration by St. Pius X. It is also desirable that an edition be prepared containing simpler melodies for use in small churches (n. 117).
These directives stand in stark contrast to any notion of abolishing Gregorian chant or prohibiting the use of the Latin language.
The conciliar Constitution unequivocally affirms that
Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when the divine offices are celebrated solemnly in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people (n. 113).
While some exceptions are permissible for the use of the vernacular language in specific circumstances, these allowances must not diminish the importance of Latin, which is prescribed in the clearest terms (n. 36). Gregorian chant, deemed “specially suited to the Roman liturgy” and deserving “pride of place in liturgical services” (n. 116), inherently necessitates the use of the Latin language.
In the context of “that wonderful chorus of praise in honor of the Catholic faith sung by great men in times gone by” (n. 123), sacred music embarks on a magnificent historical journey from Gregorian chant to “the classical polyphony, which, as very well said, achieved the maximum of its perfection in the Roman School through the work of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.”[3]
The Latin language remains an indelible part of the Church’s identity, deeply ingrained in the Vulgate—the “popular” translation of the Bible by St. Jerome († 420), which remains the “official” text of the Latin Church—and in the soul of the Church of Rome. As articulated by Msgr. Guido Marini, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations from 2007 to 2021:
The Latin language continues to serve as the quintessential liturgical tongue of the Church, a means through which the Church articulates its faith, embodying the essence of catholicity. People of diverse cultures and languages find a shared sense of belonging in liturgical Latin, transcending not only geographical boundaries but also temporal ones—encompassing both the present and the past.[4]
Latin transcends mere grammatical constructs; it is a pure medium that conveys the mysteries of faith. Its ineffable essence and universal reach form the indispensable cornerstone of sacred music.
In commemorating the centenary of Pope Pius XI’s Motu Proprio Latinarum litterarum, let us reaffirm the enduring bond between Latin and sacred music. As stewards of this legacy, may we cherish and preserve the profound spiritual heritage encapsulated in the Latin language and its sacred musical traditions.
[1] Benedict XV, Maximum Illud, November 30, 1919, n. 16.
[2] Sacrificium Laudis, August 15, 1966.
[3] Benedict XV, Non senza vivo, September 19, 1921; our translation.
[4] 2008 interview; our translation.
