What to expect from the new missal translation |
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Written by FATHER CHARLES SINGLER
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Saturday, 12 June 2010 00:00 |
On March 25, 2010, the Holy See granted its “recognition” of the third edition of the English translation of the Roman Missal. This action will now prompt the determination of a date of publication and use in the dioceses of the United States by our national conference of bishops. That official date is still pending.
Meanwhile, publishing houses in English-speaking countries of the world (11 conferences of bishops currently) and national offices overseeing the implementation of the revised missal have begun to provide preparatory resources to parishes. While each of these bodies provides a certain perspective and design to assist all of us who will use and experience the revised missal translation, there are some common considerations to guide the whole process of implementation.
 First, this new translation will not only reflect a fresh expression of what the church holds close to its believing heart, but it will provide the opportunity to renew our eucharistic spirituality. Language is formative and how we pray and what we pray forms us into who we are and what we believe.
Liturgical commentators reviewing some of the retranslated texts, and those that will be heard for the first time in this publication, observe that this translation reconnects Catholics to clearer biblical faith. Images that find their origin in the Sacred Scriptures are reintroduced to the public prayers spoken by the priest-celebrant and in the responses given by the faithful during Mass in this new translation. Those old enough to remember their childhood participation at Mass may notice the similarity to some of the text responses they offered in English during the very early days when the vernacular language was permitted just after the Second Vatican Council.
A second feature that will require the patience of all will be the common prayer texts that are sung during Mass. This will be most noticeable during certain parts of the Mass, for instance during the singing of the Gloria or the Sanctus. The reason for many of these changes in language is due to the meaning intended from the original Latin texts. Spiritual language is a transcending language. It raises the mind and heart unlike our common communication in life. The goal of such language in the liturgical tradition over the ages is always pointing us toward God.
Some of the language that will be used during Mass may, at first, seem out of place to us. Let me assure you that clergy and faithful alike may find this challenging. That is almost expected since we have been conditioned to offer our public prayer a certain way and with certain language for a number of years. Anything new often evokes hesitancy on our part, especially when we feel that our comfort and pattern is somehow altered. Rest assured most of the pending changes to our celebration of Mass will be textual and not structural.
The publication of the third edition of the Roman Missal for English-speaking countries is potentially a wonderful renewal effort for the Catholic faithful. Its successful implementation will require openness to the language spoken. It will also require a certain humility to embrace these changes. Perhaps the unfamiliar language used in the new missal translation will allow all of us to look at things differently and even more pointedly, and believe in a way we have never considered before. The Holy Spirit works in such ways. It would be a great tragedy if we miss the opportunity to embrace God’s revelation to us. The use of the revised Roman Missal may be one of those blessings in disguise.
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Father Charles E. Singler, D. Min., is director of worship for the Diocese of Toledo.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 12 June 2010 00:00 |
