Why Study Latin Anyway?

Latin is a language not as popularly studied in the world as it once was but that does not mean it holds no importance. Latin was the language of the Roman civilization throughout its long and storied history. It was a language of great philosophers and emperors. When the Roman Empire fell it was still not the end of Latin. It quickly became the educational language of Europe. Monks would copy crucial philosophical and historical documents in Latin to be preserved throughout the ages so that civilization could once again blossom after the fall of Rome. The Church also would adopt Latin as Her language to be used in theology and the copying of the Scriptures as well as for all Her official documents and decrees. Due to its place in history Latin became the primary language of academia for most of Europe’s history until relatively recently. It was the language used to make state documents, debate philosophy, or communicate with a foreign monarch. It was only in the past hundred years or so that Latin’s emphasis in academics began to wane. Even now however it is still essential to have basic Latin knowledge if one wishes to study law, theology, medicine, or philosophy. This is not to mention that the Romance languages are all derived from Latin and so learning Latin can provide a basis for learning these other languages. Knowing Latin also can provide quite the vocabulary boost as I can guarantee you without studying Latin I would never have known what the word obsequious meant. 

Above are some good reasons to take up the study of Latin. I will readily admit however that none of the reasons above are the reasons I chose to study it originally when entering Chaminade high school, a well known Catholic boys school on Long Island. I just wanted to study it because I thought it was the language of the crusaders and found the phrase “Deus Vult” cool. Little did I know that choice, based on youthful ignorance, would actually lead me on a deep dive into philosophy and the wonders of the Catholic Tradition. 

My initial interest in the language really bloomed in sophomore year when I first engaged with the Latin club. The first time I ever experienced the Latin Mass was on a Latin club field trip. It was utterly beautiful and captivating. From there I began to research the Mass more. I engaged in theological pursuits and began to learn more and more from personal study which was accelerated by my knowledge of Latin. I began to learn about the wonderful patrimony of the Church like Gregorian chant which really helped with my study of Latin (especially in senior year when we were translating some of my favorite chants). I never would have even begun with studying Aquinas or attending the Latin Mass if it were not for my faithful teachers who guided me in my study. 

Two teachers who really helped me along the way were Father Garrett and Mr. Maddock. During my time as a student Mr. Maddock ended up teaching us when we were sophomores and juniors. He now somehow teaches the freshman, sophomore, and junior divisions while running the Latin club (a truly herculean effort). The trip to the Latin Mass which he organized and his reading of the lives of the saints on their feast days before class both were important to my formation. The many little personal conversations I had with him about a potential vocation also helped. He even at one point suggested this Benedictine Monastery to me. He has inspired me to continue my religious study and one day perhaps get a degree in theological studies. Father Garrett taught us Latin in senior year. Whether he knew or not we had already spoken many times in the confessional before I had him for class. The availability of Confession alone was a very important part of my spiritual formation. When I had him for class we learned more about Greek myths and read stories in Latin which forced me to become more proficient at the language. My favorite part of his class however was the translation of Gregorian chants and of philosophical phrases. I learned how to sing some chants I had never heard before. Having a Priest available in class was also helpful when I needed him to bless some sacramentals of mine (thank you Father!). Overall these two men showed me aspects of our faith I would not have otherwise seen. They encouraged me to go below the surface level. It is thanks to them I have considered writing about the Faith as a potential career choice. 

That is another benefit to Latin. The people you meet along the way.