“the use of the Latin language is to be preserved”

 
This is part 7 of 8 on Chapter VI “Sacred Music” taken from the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium solemnly promulgated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on December 4, 1963. Please also read Vatican II and Sacred Music by Kurt Poterack, Ph.D found in the Spring 1999 issue of Sacred Music.
 
Isn’t Gregorian Chant all in Latin? Do we have to chant / sing in Latin? While it is good to know at least some Latin since it is the language of the Church, the answer is no we do not have to chant/sing in Latin for every part of the Mass. The Simple English Propers which was published in 2011 has translated all the antiphons into English but has kept the traditional Gregorian chant notation and modes. This allows the faithful to feel more comfortable in learning and praying. Adam Bartlett’s Simple English Propers - http://musicasacra.com/sep/ is one example of how Gregorian chant is being made available through the Internet, especially through online practice videos. The Simple English Propers are not only in Gregorian chant notation but also have been transposed into modern notation by Ryan Dingress, this link may be found on the main page of this packet.
 
As regards the language to be used, the provisions of Art. 36 are to be observed; for the Mass, Art. 54; for the sacraments, Art. 63; for the divine office. Art. 101
 
1. Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.2. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended. This will apply in the first place to the readings and directives, and to some of the prayers and chants, according to the regulations on this matter to be laid down separately in subsequent chapters.[i]

What parts of the Mass should be in Latin, what parts should not? Latin is to be preserved in the liturgy. The mother tongue should be applied in the readings, directives, and to some of the prayers and chants. This implies that some of the prayers and chants should remain in Latin. In section 54 the council says, “the faithful may also be able to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass…” The permission to “extend the use of the mother tongue” is at the discretion of the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority. An example of a territorial ecclesiastical authority is the United States Catholic Council of Bishops (USCCB).

“In Masses which are celebrated with the people, a suitable place may be allotted to their mother tongue. This is to apply in the first place to the readings and "the common prayer," but also, as local conditions may warrant, to those parts which pertain to the people, according to the norm laid down in Art. 36 of this Constitution. 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. And wherever a more extended use of the mother tongue within the Mass appears desirable, the regulation laid down in Art. 40 of this Constitution is to be observed.”[ii]

[i] Sacrosanctum Concilium; Section 36
[ii] Sacrosanctum Concilium; Section 54