Music and the third edition of the Roman Missal |
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Written by FATHER CHARLES SINGLER
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Saturday, 11 September 2010 02:54 |
Sometimes when we human beings experience changes to our patterns and behaviors in life we do not realize the far-reaching effect they have on us. Such are the effects of the third edition of the Roman Missal, which has now been approved by the Vatican.
Our U.S. Catholic bishops have determined the date of implementation of the new missal translation is Nov. 27, 2011, the first Sunday of Advent.
While that is well over a year away, dioceses and parishes in the United States are beginning the arduous task of acquainting the Catholic faithful with the new translation and its meaning. Parishes in the diocese will be hearing more about the new missal translation in the coming weeks and months. Several conference days for priests, deacons and pastoral leaders have been scheduled for the winter of 2011 and a major diocesan-wide conference is to be held at Rosary Cathedral March 26 for those who prepare the liturgy in local parishes and institutions.
 One of the noticeable effects of the new translation — aside from the verbal prayers priests and people speak aloud — will be the musical arrangements for the common parts of the Mass. These include the Act of Penitence, Gloria, Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), Memorial Acclamation and Lamb of God. Additionally, the sung parts of the priest during Mass have also been re-written and new chant melodies have been composed.
Knowing that the revision of the English translation of the Roman Missal would prompt review of the common parts musically, some composers have re-written musical scores to incorporate the new translations. What that means for many of our congregations: a familiar musical tune (score) with a new text. On the other hand, most composers prepared newly-written musical scores to the common parts of Mass so the new words we sing will become familiar.
Singing, rather than speaking, does have a certain effect to commit things to rote. Think of a favorite tune recalled and the fact that as you sing or hum that tune, you can actually remember the words. Music and text do assist each other.
It might be interesting to know that some of the printed missal materials already in the hand of priest-celebrants have recommended that the dialogue parts of the Mass, such as the invitation, “The Lord be with you,” and the people’s response, “And with your spirit” be sung as a way of helping us to become familiar with the new text.
There is some merit to that recommendation. Aside from the practical aspect of acquainting us with the new text, singing the Mass adds a certain solemnity and transcendence that reflects more fully the intent of every celebration of Mass.
Change is not easy. We enjoy our patterns in life. Yet, those things that bring a new vitality to life — and in this circumstance, faith — enrich us with a new hope. The new translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal will certainly promote a greater unity in the public prayer of the English-speaking world with our brothers and sisters worldwide. Who knows, it may even touch our spiritual lives in a different way as well.
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Father Charles E. Singler, D. Min., is director of worship and director of vocations for the Diocese of Toledo.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 11 September 2010 02:54 |
