Language of the Catholic Church and Western Civilization
Does it matter what papal documents said before the Second Vatican Council? I guess it depends on your point of view. In my point of view, yes–they are at least as important today as they were when they were written, and therefore deserve careful reading and implementation. One of them from the mid-20th century is... Continue Reading →
This post is another excuse to mention and help you all use Fr. William Most's amazing textbook series Latin by the Natural Method. I highly recommend making the lists of vocabulary words in your notebook as he suggests in the Teacher's Guide. I certainly advocate using idea-mapping when studying each lesson. And I also think... Continue Reading →
This is my favorite Latin study-aid of them all, so we will begin this series with it today. And actually, I already have an example of a "mind map" or "idea map" on this blog, explaining jobs the endings of Latin verbs do. (It's here if you want to see it.) An idea map is... Continue Reading →
Ecclesiastical Latin can be used in your daily speech. For centuries upon centuries it was used for conversation, all over Europe! Students at universities used it, besides the clergy and religious. Laypeople knew a lot of Latin, as even popular songs were partly or all in Latin during the Age of Faith. So know that... Continue Reading →
Don't groan--this is a highly-powered mega-vitamin for your Latin skills! There is no better way I know to feel like Latin is a spoken language than having a repertoire of pieces in your mind that you can hear with your "mind's ear." You've learned some Latin words with your textbook--very good. But you probably didn't... Continue Reading →
The inescapable truth: Catholic sensibilities are formed on Latin. Period. Full stop. Two reasons for this are that 1) the clearest understanding of the intellect and 2) the subtlest and most elevated emotions and feelings flow from experiencing the use of Ecclesiastical Latin. Therefore, teaching Latin to your children is a priceless gift for their... Continue Reading →
Wow, just wow... So way back when, when all the educated English gents knew Latin, some of them published a book of English (and American) Victorian Poetry that was translated into Latin. It's hundreds of pages long and includes dozens of well-known poets from that era. Here is Edward Lear, for a very lighthearted example:... Continue Reading →
If you are looking for a bit of not too difficult Latin to read..., I would recommend the life of St. Ambrose by Paulinus, his secretary. It is done in an easy and delightful style...--E. K. Rand, professor of Latin at Harvard University, in Founders of the Middle Ages (1928) Links to the Vita Sancti... Continue Reading →
Learning Latin often feels like swimming in a strange sea of grammar. It's tricky, but persist, persist! Soon you will surf the waves of that ocean with joy, I promise, just keep at it! In the meantime, to help make it easier, here's a diagram for you. This picture illustrates things the forms/endings of a... Continue Reading →
When it comes to learning Church Latin, we all should imitate what we did as babies. Be a baby listening to our Holy Mother, the Church, at prayer, and learn Latin as you go. I’ve written some lessons I hope can help you learn Latin while praying along with the Church’s ongoing prayer. I have... Continue Reading →
