In September 2011, we began introducing the new translations of some of the prayers and responses at Mass, such as the Gloria and the Creed. We hope that some of your questions may be answered below. Over some weeks, we have also explored the changes in more detail, looking at the: Introductory Rites of the Mass, Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.
‘Prayers we know by heart will need to be relearned. Sentences will, on occasion, be longer and the style of language will seem more formal. But over time, as we pray the texts, they will become familiar to us and it is hoped that their richness and depth will bear fruit.’ – Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin (The Irish Times, 30/8/11)
What is the Roman Missal?
The ‘Missal’ is the book containing all of the prayers for the celebration of Mass. It is first written in Latin and then translated into the other languages. In this way, while the Mass may be celebrated in many languages across the world, it is the same core Latin text that is being prayed by the Church. We had been using the most recent edition of the Missal since St Patrick’s Day 1975. Now we have a new edition, which has come into use over time, starting in September 2011.
Why do we have a new edition of the Roman Missal?
Firstly, in the years since 1975, new texts have been made available. These include additional Eucharistic Prayers, some new Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Masses for over 20 new Feasts of Saints (for example, Padre Pio and Edith Stein). Secondly, in 2001 the Holy See gave new directions for the translation of the Latin texts. Translators were asked to make the English text follow more closely the original Latin, to strengthen the Biblical language and images in the texts, and to reintroduce some theological vocabulary lost over the years.
Has the Mass changed?
The structure of the Mass has not changed. Its order and the actions of the Mass remain unchanged. The readings at Mass are not changed. However, with the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal we can notice a change in how the Mass sounds. The translations of a significant number of our prayer texts from the original Latin have changed – sometimes by just a change in a particular word or in the word order.
When did we start using the new edition of the Roman Missal?
The texts of the new edition of the Roman Missal were introduced in two phases. On Sunday 11 September 2011, we began to use the new translations of the people’s prayers and responses at Mass, for example, the Confiteor, the Gloria and the Creed. These texts are on the missalettes. Special congregational cards are also available.
On the First Sunday of Advent (27 November 2011), the new translations of the prayers of the Mass that are led by the priest came into use, for example, the opening prayer and the Eucharistic Prayer. The Third Edition of the Roman Missal, therefore, was fully implemented on the First Sunday of Advent.
Why has the Irish Church introduced this new Missal now?
The Irish Church is not alone in the task of introducing a new edition of the Roman Missal at this time. The new edition of the Roman Missal is the English translation of the Latin Missal that was issued by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Since 2002, the Church across the world in its many languages has engaged in the work of translating this Latin text through study, reflection and consultation. This work in English speaking countries is now complete. In Ireland, as in other English speaking countries, the new Missal came into use during the autumn of 2011.
Aren’t there more important things we could be doing as a Church?
The Church’s mission in the world is one of loving service and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. This work is at the heart of the Church everyday and finds expression in a myriad of ways. In the celebration of the Mass we nurture and celebrate the faith that calls us to individually share in the mission of the Church. The words and actions of the Mass form the central act of the Christian community. Together they express our faith – we pray as we believe. So our words and actions in the Mass matter deeply. They shape our faith and lead us beyond the Mass to live out this faith. The work of the Church rightly continues in all sorts of ways. Yet the importance of the Mass in the life of the Church demands that we give it time and attention and take great care in its words and actions.
