Thursday, March 04, 2004

New, more accurate translation of the Mass

From Catholic World News
Sydney, Mar. 04 (CWNews.com)
A new English translation of the Ordinary of the Mass has earned a positive review from the chairman of a new committee of bishops charged with supervising such translations.

The new English translation responds to two new Vatican documents: the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal, which was released in 2002; and Liturgiam Authenticam, the instruction on proper translation of liturgical texts, which appeared in 2001.

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Australia, has indicated that the new translation-- which is now being circulated among the bishops of the English-speaking world for comments-- has earned generally favorable notice. "So far, so good," he told reporters in Australia. "In fact, excellent."

Cardinal Pell heads the Vox Clara committee, which was set up by the Vatican to provide guidance for liturgical translations into English. The cardinal reported that the committee "was delighted by the elegance of this translation and its fidelity to the Latin."

Among the most notable changes proposed in the new translation are:

The Creed begins with "I believe," rather than "We believe"-- in a simple and accurate translation of the Latin "Credo."

When the priest says to the congregation, "The Lord be with you," the response is now: "And with your spirit"-- again, a faithful translation of the Latin "Et cum spiritu tuo."

The use of "inclusive language" is generally avoided, so that masculine pronouns are more broadly used-- especially in cases where the pronoun might refer to Jesus or to God.

The English-speaking bishops have been asked to offer comments on the draft translation by May 15.

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Great news...Perhaps we are on the way to "authentic" liturgical renewal?

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