The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

CEREMONIES, ETC. 375words of consecration, during which the bread andwine are changed by the power of Jesus Christ intoHis body and blood. He proceeds with otherprayers, including the best of all prayers, the OutFather, as far as the Communion, when he partakesof the consecrated bread and chalice, giving theHoly Communion afterwards to such as are prepared to receive He it. continues the Mass, giveshis blessing to the kneeling congregation, and concludes with the opening words of the sublime Gospel of St. John.Here you have not merely a number of prayersstrung together. But you witness a scene whichrivets pious attention and warms the heart into fervent devotion. You participatein an act of worship worthy of God, to whom it is offered.But you are anxious that I should explain to youthe reason why the Mass is said in Latin. WhenChristianity was first established, the Roman Empire ruled the destinies of the world. Pagan Romehad dominion over nearly all Europe and largeportions of Asia and Africa. The Latin was thelanguage of the Empire. Wherever the Romanstandard was planted, there also was spread theLatin tongue; just as at the present time the English language is spoken wherever the authority ofGreat Britain or of the United States is established.The Church naturally adopted in her Liturgy orpublic worship the language which she then foundprevailing among the people.The Fathers of the