Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What does the new translation of the Roman Missal mean for other celebrations?

Questions arise as to what impact the new translation of the Missal will have on other celebrations of the sacraments or devotional prayer. The Bishops discussed this at their November meeting. Although at this time no official statement has been made the prevailing view seems to be that wherever there is a new translation in the Roman Missal of a prayer that should replace what is in the ritual book.

An example of this would be the Rite of Marriage. In the new translation we find Collects and Nuptial Blessings but not the blessing of the rings or vows formula. In celebrating a wedding, whether during Mass or outside of Mass these new translations would be used.

During a funeral Mass the new translation of the base prayers can be used but the prayers with a more specific focus (for a married couple, for one who committed suicide, for a parent) could continue to be used. This may require some flipping about but I think it can be accomplished with minimal disruption.

You will also notice that there are new translations of the Renuciation of Sin and Profession of Faith in the Missal (at Easter Vigil) as well as a new translation of one of the prayers of Blessing over the Baptismal Water. I think, following the above logic, that those could be substituted as well.

I wish you well in your implementation of the new translation this weekend. Let's be patient with one another as we move forward with this important moment in our celebration.

No comments:

Post a Comment