Father Hollywood: Lingua Latina vivit! (Latin lives!)
But even if one's desire isn't to read Julius Caesar's account of the Gallic Wars or Plutarch's histories or the canons of the Council of Nicea in the original tongue, there is still much to be gained by learning to read Latin. More than half of all words in the English language are Latin derivatives - and these English words tend to be longer, more difficult words than those descended from Anglo-Saxon. To learn Latin is to lay the groundwork for a vast and diverse English vocabulary. It is also the optimal way to learn how grammar and syntax work. In the age of text messaging and e-mail, much of our communications skills - especially of the written word - have become sloppy and imprecise. Latin is a sorely-needed corrective.
I think he has been reading my writing.
New Oxford Review
Not only does the process of learning Latin instill virtue in a seminarian, but the material of Latinity broadens the mind and enlarges the soul. Who could fail to be inspired by Cicero's unwavering loyalty to the Republic in his impassioned orations against Cataline? Who could remain unmoved by Aeneas's firm resolve to set sail for the shores of Latium, and Dido's pitiful fate on the shores of Carthage? Who could fail to appreciate the timeless Epicurean wisdom in the musings of Lucretius? Did I forget to mention the brilliant psychology of Augustine, the oratorical genius of Leo the Great, and the commonsensical savvy of Gregory the Great (let alone the profound theology found in each)?
It is true that few seminarians will use the Latin language on a daily basis in their future priestly ministry. Yet a student who applies himself to Latin prepares himself well for the pastoral duties that await him. He is able to reason through difficult circumstances. He is able to communicate effectively. He will certainly construct more lucid, logical, and lyrical homilies as a result of having studied the clean, crisp, and clear prose of the classic Latin authors. Through his study of Latin, a seminarian can't help but absorb history, geography, politics, anthropology, philology, forensics, poetry, and philosophy that will render him erudite in the best sense of the word (from e rudis = "to extract from a state of ignorance").
My four weeks of Latin last summer was enlightening. I need a couple years now. Maybe over vicarage my supervisor will be some sort of Latin scholar?
