On Sunday 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. Below, we consider some of the changes that have come into effect.
More general questions and answers on the new translation of the Roman Missal are available here and we have also explored the changes to the congregational prayers in more detail, looking at the: Introductory Rites of the Mass, Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Collect or Opening Prayer
The Introductory Rites conclude with the Collect or opening prayer. This prayer changes from week to week, even from day to day. All of these prayers contained in the 1975 Missal have been retranslated. People will notice a difference in how this prayer sounds. The sentences are longer and more complex because they follow more closely the structure of the original Latin text. This prayer will demand our attention. Over time the pattern of this prayer will become more familiar to us and will more easily sit on our ear.
Eucharistic Preface dialogue
Besides the change in the response to “The Lord be with you” as “And with your spirit”, the only other change in the congregational part of the dialogue is the final response, which is what is found in the Latin: “It is right and just”. These words are taken up by the priest as he continues the Eucharistic Prayer with the Preface itself: “It is truly right and just”.
Institution Narrative and Consecration
Some word changes can be noticed to this central part of the Eucharistic prayer. The word “chalice” replaces the word “cup” (as in the 1975 Irish language text) and “eternal” replaces “everlasting”. The new translation also replaces the phrase for all with the phrase “for many”, translating the Latin “pro multis”. This is not intended to imply that God’s love is limited or that Christ did not die on the cross for all men and women. Rather, in translating the Latin and the Greek of the Gospels, it also acknowledges that human beings may choose to accept in faith the gift of salvation that is being offered.
Doxology
The Eucharistic Prayer concludes with the Doxology and the people’s response “Amen”. The doxology sounds slightly different as it follows more closely the original word order of the Latin. The people’s assent, Amen, remains the Great Amen!
Concluding Rite – Prayer over the People/ Solemn Blessing
People may hear a change of style in these prayers. All of these formal blessings have been translated to follow more closely the original Latin text.
The Dismissal
While the response of the people has not changed, the priest has several new options for the words of dismissal. These options were particularly requested by Pope Benedict XVI for inclusion in the Missal and very much capture the sense of the faithful being sent to live what they have celebrated, for example, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life”.
