The St. John Liturgy Commission has been working to coordinate the introduction of the new translation of the Roman Missal, which will take place on November 27, 2011. The Mass has not changed. The words alone have changed, and while many of the changes are significant, the underlying structure and intent have not. One of the places you will see change is in the liturgical music. The music for the Gloria, Sanctus and Memorial Acclamations will be familiar, with a few changes to the wording. Beginning on the weekend of October 15/16 we will begin singing some of the revised musical settings. Watch this space each week for explanations of various revisions, along with links to resources for further information.
PLAN TO ATTEND Fr. Greg Hoppough’s presentation on Monday evening, October 24th, right here at our parish, for an opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you have. If you have any questions, contact any member of the Liturgical Commission: Steve Brown, Pat Colton, Pat Fiege, Svea Fraser, and Jerry Kehoe.
CHANGES TO THE MISSAL – WHY? WHO? WHAT?
The following is based upon Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat of the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010 www.usccb.org/romanmissal
1. Why is there a need for a new translation?
Pope John Paul II issued the third edition of the Latin text of the Roman Missal during the Jubilee Year in 2000. This new addition included many new texts requiring translation. In addition, the experience of the years after the Second Vatical Council gave rise to a desire for more formal and literal translations of the original Latin texts.
2. Who is doing the work of translation?
The process of translating liturgical texts from the original Latin is done by several groups. The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) prepares English translations of liturgical texts on behalf of the conferences of bishops of English-speaking countries. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the other member conferences receive draft translations od each text and have the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions to ICEL. Then ICEL proposes a second draft, which each conference approves and submits to the Vatican for final approval. Each conference reserves the right to amend a particular text. At the Vatican, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments examines the translated texts and grants permission for their use. Currently the Congregation is aided by the recommendations of Vox Clara, a special committee of bishops and consultants from English-speaking countries who outlined principles and rules for liturgical translation.
3. What’s new or different about the revised translation?
The style of the translation of the third edition is different. In accord with the rules for translation established by the Holy See, the revised translation follows the style of the original Latin texts more closely, including concrete images, repetition, parallelisms, and rhythm. The English used in the Mass texts is more formal in style. Where possible, the texts follow the language of Scripture and include many poetic images. In addition, the third edition contains prayers for the celebration of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharist Prayers, additional Masses and prayers for various needs and intentions, some updated instructions for the celebration of the Mass.
A good article on the subject can be found at: http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20110905_1.htm.
