New Roman Missal
For quite awhile now, the Church has been working on a new English translation of the Roman Missal for United States Catholics. Just this past week, it was announced that the translation has been approved by the Vatican. (See article here.) While the translation is still being edited, it is expected to be in publication this spring. This is very exciting! While the prayers of the Mass are very beautiful–they could not really be otherwise–our current translation does not have the richness of the original Latin texts. Some of the terminology may be difficult to grasp in English at first, but it will more fully explain what we believe; it will be, as Pope Benedict XVI states, “a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world.”
Some of the new texts can be seen here. Although it may take a bit to learn the new words to participate at Mass, I think that the “newness” will give many the opportunity to really examine what we are saying and grow in maturity and appreciation of the Catholic Faith. Praised be Jesus Christ!
