Answers to the ten criticisms most often raised

Catholics who have little or no experience of the Latin Mass, Mass in the Extraordinary Form, have many pre-conceived notions.

They generally come in the form of a one off critical statement thrown into a general conversation at random making them difficult to respond to without a jerk of the knee.

Here are the responses to the top ten criticisms, in a more measured 'answer' format, please feel free to add more of your own in the comments box.

1. Most cottas are plain, not lacy.

2. Priests do not “gabble” the Latin

3. It is easy to follow if you have a Missal

4. The incense and the bells both serve a purpose

5. The priest is not turning his back to the people so much as facing God

6. It is not exclusive, many peasants in the Middle Ages coped quite well  

     with Latin

7. It’s quiet because you are in the presence of Almighty God

8. Plainchant is another link back to Christ, guitars aren’t

9. Wearing a mantilla is not a form of subjugation so much as an offering

    to God made by a woman

10. It is returning, it may be slow coming but coming it is!