Gaudeo quod scriptores huius commentarii optimi me meminerunt. De consuetudinem Latine scribendi legendique eos rogavi, et recte responderunt: ''puto necesse esse ut discamus linguam Latinam vivam;'' toto corde consentio! Quamquam vernacula Anglica facilior est mihi (diu dixi, haudquaquam sum peritus in lingua Latina), ''Quomodo Discatis Linguam Latinam'' multo gaudio perlegi. In toto historia Ecclesiae et Liturgiae, lingua antiqua (etiam antiquissima) Romanorum usus est, sed discere difficile est. Ironice, decorum est Magistro Caerimoniario Latinam scire! Cursos (Latine) lectionem incipere adhuc non potui, quia occupatus sum (numquam otiosus sum!). Futura otia expecto; sed hoc tempore primi nostri parentis maledictionem (in sudore vultus...) sentio!
Since they wrote their response to my question in Latin, I thought it fitting to respond likewise. This is what I have written (at least this is what it's supposed to say! If I have incurred the wrath of any clever Latinist by these stammerings, then I beg indulgence - I was, afterall, not actually taught to compose complex Latin extempore):
I rejoice because the writers of this excellent blog have remembered me. I asked them about the practice of writing and reading in Latin, and they have rightly responded: ''I think it is necessary that we learn living Latin;'' I agree with my whole heart! Although the English vernacular is easier for me (I have long said that I am by no means an expert in the Latin language), I have read ''How do you go about learning the Latin Language?'' with much joy. In the whole history of the Church and of the Liturgy, the ancient (even the most ancient) language of the Romans has been used, but it is difficult to learn. Ironically then, it is fitting for a Master of Ceremonies to know Latin! I have not yet been able to begin reading the Latin courses, because I am occupied (I am never at leisure!). I look forward to a time of future leisure, but at this time I feel the curse of our first parents (in the sweat of thy face...)!
At the moment, I am busy writing essays, so I have to content myself with basic Latin comprehension and a bit of grammar here and there (usually on the train to college or on my lunch breaks at work). I was, however, more or less coerced into composing some Latin at the weekend, but I shall say no more of that! Anyway, back to work for me...
The above painting depicts the great St Jerome, patron Saint of Latinists (at least I hope he is, I do have a special devotion to him), in his study by the artist Domenico Ghirlandaio.
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