Contrary to the common misconception, however, the council did not retire the Latin language. Furthermore, as the quote above demonstrates, John XXIII would have strenuously opposed any attempts to do so. In any case, the council and the pope were in agreement.
Latin is Everywhere: The Power of Quotes
Roughly half of English words come from Latin, and the more technical the vocabulary, the higher the proportion. It has also been an inextricable part of what people built, painted, and wrote about over the past fifteen centuries.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat: Good Quotes Never Die
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat Fortes Fortuna adiuvat, "Fortune helps the brave!" A more common, if somewhat less literal translation is "Fortune favors the bold!" Well, it still captures the sense of the statement, and preserves the alliteration of the original. It also captures the swashbuckling spirit with which this sentiment was intoned in at least one … Continue reading Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat: Good Quotes Never Die
Latin for Americans: An Inviting Intro
The friendly tone, colorful pictures, and the inclusion of random yet interesting tidbits of information make this an inviting entry to the Latin language for average to upper average students.
Holy Ground: Latin in the Liturgy
Standing on Holy Ground Holy Ground: we're all probably familiar with the Biblical account of Moses's first face-to-face encounter with God on Mt. Sinai. He sees a bush on fire, except the fire doesn't seem to consume it. The strange sight draws him closer, and as he approaches he hears the voice of God: God said, … Continue reading Holy Ground: Latin in the Liturgy
Eram Quod Es: the Quote of the Week
These six little words (or is it two little words?) pack quite a punch.
The Human Touch: Latin in the Liturgy
Christian believers hope to participate in that communion in a more profound way in the next world. In this physical world, however, we rely on our corporeal senses. Latin has endured in the Church for such a long time because it gives us that human touch.
O Bone Deus: Adventures with the Vocative
Who knows, they may be right. Maybe Scribonius Largus was not an inept Latin stylist, but a champion of Writing For The Common Man. Either way, his work does cast some light on our discussion of the vocative singular of deus.
Something is Always Lost in Translation
The choices, preferences, experiences, and particular strengths and weaknesses of a given book's creators will unavoidably shape its presentation of the Latin language. Any and every introductory text will have a bias of some sort or other.
What’s the Best Kind of Book for Reading Latin?
The good news is that there's something for everyone. There are books for folks who want or need lots of help, there are versions for those who just want to engage the plain Latin text. If you're somewhere in between, well, you're covered too.