43
‘Roman Missal’ revised
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
When Roman Catholics attend weekend services Nov. 26 and 27 for the first Sunday of Advent, they not only will begin a new liturgical year but also will say and hear new wording in the text of Mass.
Fran Amer, director of the office of worship for the Diocese of Youngstown, said that the “Roman Missal” is “periodically updated.” She said the order of Mass will remain the same; the order refers to elements of the service including the penitential and communion rites.
The changes, which affect both priests and the people, include new saints canonized since the last update, seasonal prayers, prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayer and Masses for various needs and intentions.
The website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops notes that the “Roman Missal,” the text of Mass, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
The Latin was translated in many languages; the English edition published in the mid-70s after Vatican Council II. A revision was made in 1975; the English revision came in 1985.
Pope John Paul II promulgated the third edition in 2000.
Amer said the previous revisions were called “dynamic equivalence,” that is, the translation was “not word for word but a good translation.”
She said that translation was the “essence of the phrase.”
In 2002, she said, Rome developed a better method of translating Latin to English that is known as “formal equivalence.” Amer said this is “closer to a word for word and a higher level of language.”
“It gives us better expression of the theology present in the text,” Amer said. “And it gives more Scriptural images that were missing before.”
She cited the invitation to communion prayer. Previously, the people said, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” The new response will be “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
The new version evokes the story of the centurion’s faith.
In Matthew 8:5-13, a centurion asks Jesus to heal a favorite servant. Though Jesus says he will go the house, Scripture says, “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. ...’”
Amer said the image of the centurion’s great faith and humility had been lost. “It’s good to recall the need for faith and humility,” she said.
Amer said preparations to implement the changes began last November with workshops for priests. Amer said Bishop Douglas Crosby of Canada, attended. He was in a group who worked on the translation.
The Rev. Michael Balash, pastor of St. William Church in Champion, has been involved in training for priests and lay leaders.
A session in February on the revisions was attended by about 600 religious and lay people.
At the parish level, information on the changes was circulated in late summer and early fall.
“People will recognize the prayers but realize words have changed,” Amer said. “Eventually, people will get used to it.”
She said churches may have pew cards to help members realize where and what the changes are.
Amer said the revision also prompted changes in music. Parish musicians also have been rehearsing and adjusting to the revisions.
The new Gloria will be first heard at Christmas; it is not said during Advent. “Words have changed and so has the music,” Amer said.
She also noted the revision includes new chants that may be used by priests as they are able.