Te Absolvo

As hard as it is for the average American to learn Latin, we all need to know that there is something about Latin that does have an amazing power. Exorcists will tell you that if they perform an exorcism in the vernacular, it is not always effective, but when they do it in the original Latin it works more quickly. The bare minimum we can take from this is that the demons do not like Latin (all the more reason to use it when we can!).

No, this does not mean that we need to learn how to order pizza in Latin (although that would be really cool "Unum magnum pizza cum extra cibum et legumina placent."). It does mean, however, that it is wise to use Latin in certain instances. We already chant a few parts of the Mass in Latin, and say the Marian Anthem. I encourage you to learn another prayer or two (at least!) like the Ave Maria or Pater Noster. It is a good discipline to practice.

With that in mind, I am going to offer to give the absolution at the end of Confession in the original Latin. All you need to do is ask for it ("Father, may I have the absolution in Latin?"). If you do not ask (whether because you forgot or simply do not desire it), I will just follow the standard practice of saying it in English (sorry, I cannot do Greek, Hebrew, or ancient Ugaritic).