A priestly take on the new translation of the Roman Missal

As many of you know there is a new translation of the Roman Missal coming out soon. For those that don't this, the plan is to have the new translation out by Advent of 2011. What does this mean exactly?

It means that the Novus Ordo (Modern Rite English) Mass will "sound" different... and it very well may *be* different, but that is a philosophical and theological question. In terms of practical application, the Missal will change many of the prayers, parts, and words used in the Modern Mass.

This of course has made some people question the implementation of this new translation. They argue that the new translation is cumbersome, difficult, or confusing. They then argue that added to the "difficulty" of the new translation is the simple fact that "change" and "newness" in the Mass will create confusion on behalf of the people of the Faith.

These arguments are shallow and in fact don't address the REASONS behind the necessity and purpose of the new translation. To better explain this point I direct you to Father Lee Acervo's: Corner where he explains not only why the new translation is SOUND but why it is actually a Holy and Faith-filled endeavor.

Here is a very poignant excerpt from his article:

When the Mass was first translated into English, many tried to make it more understandable or “meaningful.”  Well-intentioned, except that to make it meaningful to more and more people, the words had to become more and more simplified.  The goal of making the earthly liturgy more heavenly was lost.  The earthly liturgy was made more earthly or common.  Rather than a foretaste of Heaven, the Mass was often little different than everyday life.  As a result, Mass was no longer an encounter with something beyond this world causing many to say (and still say), “Why bother going?” 

The goal of these new translations is to lead us to something heavenly, yet understandable.  This may cause offense to some, but the prayers that we use at Mass are addressed to God and not to the people.  The priest is speaking not to the congregation, but to God on behalf of the Church, and when we approach someone of high dignity, we naturally use a higher form of language.  How much more when we approach the Almighty?

You can read the rest of his post here:

On the Revised English translations of the Roman Missal

-Posted by: Joe