New Translation of the Roman Missal

By Millie May

    I do not know how many of you already know that in 2011 we will have a “new English Translation from the Latin” of our Mass. I learned of this, first from one of my brothers, David, and then from listening to Relevant Radio (92.9 or 93.9 FM). There is a Priest on Relevant Radio by the name of Father Paul Keller. I knew I had heard that name before but it took me a while to place it. Father Paul Keller married my brother David and his wife Mary a few years ago. Needless to say, the connection triggered a peak in my interest. 

    My first reaction:  what was wrong with the old English Translation? I began to research this issue further through continued listening to Relevant Radio and by reading about it on the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop’s website, www.usccb.org/romanmissal. I have learned that the United States translation differs from all other English-speaking-country translations. Other English-speaking countries include: Australia, Canada, England/Wales, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Phillipines, Scotland and South Africa. Each of the English translations differs slightly from the others, due to individual idioms and cultural differences.  

    Having listened to our Mass, and the Rosary, in many languages, I have noticed a powerful significance in any language: The Mass, as well as all our prayers, can be followed in any language by rhythm alone. We all kneel or stand at the same time in our Mass; we all wish each other the sign of peace at the same time in our mass. Latin, German, Polish, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian etc…  it does not matter. We are all catholic (i.e. universal), we are all one Body in Christ. Our English translation should be the same. For this reason, an International Commission on English in the Liturgy, (ICEL), was formed from members of all the previously mentioned countries. The text of the revised Roman Missal more closely resembles the Latin text, from which it was translated. Many biblical images have been restored, not only to United States standards, but to all English-speaking nations. We will now be in closer communion with our English-speaking Brethren, as well as our non-English speaking Brethren.   

          The preliminary text has been published to “encourage a process of preparation and teaching for both Priests and the Faithful, as well as to make texts available to composers of liturgical music who can begin to set the text to music in anticipation of the implementation of the text for liturgical use”.  The text of our Mass will vary slightly to some and significantly to others. If you are like me, you have memorized your responses to the Mass. Our responses will change. They will become more biblically accurate and significant. Please, if you have internet access, go to the usccb.org/romanmissal internet site and read the new translation of OUR MASS. Please know, this does not take us farther apart, it brings us closer together. And as one Body, it behooves us to learn and embrace the new text as soon as possible and as soon as it is approved.