Q. 1. Can you explain to me why the Holy Mass was in the Latin language prior to Vatican II?

A. 1. The following are some of the reasons as to why the Holy Mass was in Latin prior to Vatican II:

• For centuries, Latin was the official language of the Catholic Church.

• Latin was a universal language, known in every country.

• As Pope Pius XII said in "Mediator Dei," the use of Latin in the liturgy was "an effective antidote for any corruption of doctrinal truth."

• The usage of Latin was a sign of "unity" in the universal Church.

• You could fulfill your Sunday Mass obligation at any Catholic Church, anywhere in the world, and you were able to follow the Liturgy of the Mass, no matter the language spoken in that country.