Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Reflections on the New Mass Translation



On November 27, 20011, the First Sunday of Advent, the words to our Mass will be changing. When the first translation of the Latin into English came out post-Vatican II, the translation was rushed and did not accurately reflect the original Latin text. The new translation of the Mass will bring the text closer to the original Latin. Parishioners may feel that this is a step backwards from the intent of Vatican II. I can tell you nothing could be further from the truth!

I recently attended a workshop on the new Mass and had the chance to delve into the new translation. It was explained to us that the original Latin contained many references to Scripture that were altered, or removed, in our current translation. The bishops felt, at that time, that Catholics had not had a lot of exposure to Sacred Scripture and parishioners would feel lost in the English Mass. In the years that followed, we became more familiar with Scripture through the daily and Sunday readings and we began to study the Bible in small Bible study groups. We became more familiar with our Biblical roots. Now we are ready for a more accurate translation steeped in scripture.

During the upcoming weeks together we will be reflecting upon the New Mass. We will start publishing side-by-side comparisons of the old and new translations. Change is always difficult but we ask you to please keep an open mind. When you begin to look at the new translation you will find it more prayerful, scriptural and inspirational. I, for one, am truly looking forward to deepening my faith with the New Mass translation.
Holly Clark

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