The USCCB has posted a sampling of the prayer texts from the new translation of the Roman Missal which will become the liturgical text for the English speaking world at the beginning of Advent 2011.
You can read the sample Advent texts here.
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One thing is clear, the folks who wrote these prayers are not afraid of the humble comma. :)
ReplyDeletelarry f.
I found the following rather startling:
ReplyDeleteFr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, in an open letter to U.S. bishops published in America Magazine (Feb 14 2011, URL below). (Fr. Ruff, a professor of liturgy and Gregorian chant, was on the committee that prepared a draft document for the USCCB in 2007 on the use of music during worship services.)
URL: http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12688&o=38064
"With a heavy heart, I have recently made a difficult decision concerning the new English missal. I have decided to withdraw from all my upcoming speaking engagements on the Roman Missal in dioceses across the United States. After talking with my confessor and much prayer, I have concluded that I cannot promote the new missal translation with integrity. I'm sure bishops want a speaker who can put the new missal in a positive light, and that would require me to say things I do not believe."
Startling, too, the Opening Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent - the very first collect we'll hear from the new translation.
ReplyDeleteLarry: do the commas help you understand a little better what Anthony Ruff is getting at?
ReplyDeleteStartling, you say, Father, with some ambiguity, so that we, the faithful, we pray, may at someday hence, gather together and surmise your meaning. ;) -John B
ReplyDeleteJohn B: what can I reply but, Amen!
ReplyDelete:-)
Oh my, one does not wait in joyful hope for these new prayers! It is enough to strike terror into every poet's heart.
ReplyDeleteFr Ruff is not a pastor. It's easier for him to take a stand (which I admire). He suggests that those of us who are troubled by all this to write our bishop asking for a delay. Make your feelings known. I pray that Cardinal Sean is considering at least a postponement of the implementation. Here in Boston, as we begin the "Catholics Come Home" program, this could be counter productive.
ReplyDeleteNow I understand why Ireland is asking for a delay. The new readings leave me feeling spiritually lost, sad and upset. It's not that it's a change. It's the wording and the use of language. The Mass and Eucharist are the heart of our faith as Catholics. We shouldn't feel we need an interpreter when praying at liturgy. And Anne, I agree on it being really very tough timing with the start of the "Catholics Come Home" program.
ReplyDelete