I posted twice last summer on changes to be made in the Roman Missal, the large red book from which the priest prays at Mass at the chair and the altar.This installment of an occasional Link of the Day refers you to a page the US Bishops have up with information and resources on the forthcoming text for our prayer: Third Edition of the Roman Missal. The page includes a history of the Roman Missal, the process for this new edition, FAQ's, resources, examples of changes in texts and responses and sections for the assembly and for celebrants.
There will be an extended period of preparation before the implementation of the new missal, the date for which has not yet been determined.
It's not too early, however, to begin to acquaint ourselves with what's ahead for us in our liturgy. In addition to the link in this post, you can always find the same on the sidebar, listed as USCCB: Third Edition Roman Missal.
Link of the Day Series
New Roman Missal lin
I have followed the process of this revision with some interest for several reasons. First, I came of age with the Latin Mass and started college as a Latin major. I was living in Euorpe when the vernacular was first used. I watched the awkwardness of the early versions of the Mass in both French and English but through the years have become comfortable with the current version. I suppose I will eventually feel the same way about the new version (should I be blessed to live long enough.) But the older I grow, the more I value the words of familiar prayers and rituals. When I am troubled, I can run through these familiar phrases and find comfort. I often find myself reciting the Communion prayers or memorial acclamations. Second, I taught in a Catholic school for many years and worked hard to help the students really understand and appreciate the Mass. I think there are a variety of words used in this version that will be poorly understood by most adults and certainly by most adolescents today. "Consubstantial," "begotten" and "incarnate" are not words that are in the common vocabulary today. (Those who were used to the Latin Mass might have understood them but they are certainly not part of the modern idiom.) Finally, I wonder how much input Americans had in this new Latin translation. I do not believe that Rome understands the differences. Or am I worng - is this new version for the US only and not all English speaking countries?
ReplyDeleteMary: thanks for your thoughtful comment - I'd be pleased for your comment to be a model for others that might follow!
ReplyDeleteYes, the final translation will be used in all English speaking countries, not just the US.
Mass media and the Internet have made certain aspects of the English language widespread. But there are still differences from country to country and even region to region within one country. Some of these differences affect us in this translation. I am especially bothered by the new translation of "Domine non sum dignus," a part of the Mass that has always seemed the most personal to me (in fact I often find myself reverting to the Latin of my early Church experiences). To a midwestern teenager, the words "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof" has little associated meaning whereas a Latino in California may well recognize it as a part of his own culture and get the same meaning from it as the early Christians did.
ReplyDeleteLanguage and translation will always be a major challenge. But I have a feeling that in an effort to stay close to the original Latin, this new version fails to always convey the original meaning.
With all the problems and issues in the church today. I find it incredible for the bishops to be spending time on language....why not work on getting people back to the church first? What good will the change in language be if there is nobody there to hear it? I really think there are more important issues
ReplyDelete"Anonymous" - you'll be happy to know that the bishops agree with you and even a quick glance at the USCCB site will show you the variety of concerns they deal with all the time. Please don't hang the bishops because I chose one issue from their page to post.
ReplyDeleteAfter 40 years, some people in the pews still do not verbally participate in the mass. Why I don't know. For those who do know all of the responses by heart, it will mean having to use a print version, which means looking down at a book, instead of up to the altar.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think these changes are necessary. I think the feeling of community is threatened by the fact that we will all be reading our new translations instead of focusing our attention on the celebration of the mass.
Plus, as many have said, some of the language is stilted and difficult to understand in current American English vernacular.
Why will we say "I believe" instead of "We believe"? Is this just a literal translation of the Credo?
What would happen if the people in the pews decided not to go along with the new translations? I have read that a trial run in South Africa went over like a lead balloon.
Rosemary