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Catholic
Issues 
Ecclesiastical
Latin
General
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Ecclesiastical Latin is that form of Latin that emerged from Classical
Latin beginning about the 4th century A.D. Despite being gradually
replaced by various vernacular tongues up through the 16th century, ecclesiastical
Latin has been used continuously
by the Catholic Church as its official language to the present day. It is somewhat easier to learn than is Classical Latin because Ecclesiastical
Latin more closely resembles modern vernacular usage patterns than does Classical
Latin (for example, by its making greater use of prepositions). A working knowledge of Ecclesiastical Latin affords one direct access to nearly
two millennia of accumulated Christian spiritual and secular wisdom. The Church
has repeatedly called on its priests (1983 CIC 249) and others to acquire facility in Latin. She recommends that all of her members
know at least their basic prayers in the ancient and common tongue of
Christians. |
St.
Jerome |
Resources
Dr.
Peters has been teaching Ecclesiastical Latin to children, young people, and
adults for many years. For a textbook he uses John Collins, A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin
(Catholic University of America, 1985/1988).
Dr. Peters' approach emphasizes the early memorization of basic prayers, poems,
and songs in order
to assist students in applying Ecclesiastical Latin in their own lives, and
later, providing them with a storehouse of familiar grammatical examples. (For
a much larger selection of Latin prayers and resources than can be posted here,
go to Thesaurus Precum
Latinarum.)
In addition to Collins'
primer
recommended above, serious beginning students of Ecclesiastical Latin
should consider acquiring the following two books:
Collins' Exercises (Password-protected)
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