English bishops say new Mass translation offers chance to deepen faith (Catholic Caucus)

Catholic News Agency ^ | May 19,2011 | David Kerr

[sayuncledave]

London, England, May 19, 2011 / 12:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- England’s bishops say the upcoming new English translation of the Mass is not “change for change’s sake,” but will “ensure greater fidelity to the liturgical tradition of the Church.”

In a letter to be read in all parishes May 29, the bishops say the current translation of the Mass does not express the full meaning of the original Latin and loses some of the “teaching of the faith,” meant to be communicated in the liturgy.

“In the earlier translation not all the meaning of the original Latin text was fully expressed and a number of the terms that were used to convey the teachings of the faith were lost,” the Bishops of England and Wales say in the letter, which was obtained by CNA.

The bishops note that the language is important for passing on the true teachings of the faith because “the way we pray forms the way we believe.”

The present English translation of the Mass was prepared in 1973 by an international team appointed by bishops conferences in the 11 countries where English is a dominant language.

The new translation, known as the third typical edition of the Roman Missal, will be fully introduced throughout the English-speaking world on the first Sunday of Advent.

In their letter, the bishops say the new version provides “a closer connection with the Sacred Scriptures which inspire so much of our liturgy.”

In order to prepare parishes for the change-over, the English bishops plan to phase in the texts beginning in September. They will also provide resources explaining each change as it happens. A similar program of catechesis is being planned for schools. Meanwhile, new musical settings are also being composed.

Implementing the new translation “offers an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the mystery we celebrate each week,” they added.

They also quoted Pope Benedict XVI, who said on his visit to England in 2010 that the new edition of the Missal should be welcomed with “in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist, and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration.”

[sayuncledave]

While the article was originally posted on the 19th, the letter was to be read at Mass today. It is heartening to read of others who anticipate the New, third translation of the Roman Missal. Or, as the Latin says: lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi (As we worship, so we believe. As we believe, so we live).

[Salvation]

For later.

[Cronos]

Ever since I moved here a year ago, I've only heard Mass in English twice -- once in Warsaw and once in Prague (and Good Friday Service in Prague too), so this won't affect me much. The more I learn Polish, the more I realise how a lot of the various arguments we have in the English speaking world between Catholics and others can be just down to language. I also attended mass last week in German and while I could remember some of my German (trying to forget it as my wife hates the sound of that language!), I was still also struck by how imprecise English can be at times.

And this very impreciseness leads to disputes over words that don't resonate in other languages!

[sayuncledave]

You’re right. English can be pretty imprecise.

I forget where I first read about this, but there also a number of methods for translation, with what I’d guess might be termed the two primary ones being what Father Z calls slavishly literal, a completely direct, word-for-word. Then you have the idiomatic one, where an attempt is made to convey the intended meaning in spite of differences in language.

My thought was always that the current translation was more of the latter, and that those who performed the translation focused on what they felt was being said, as opposed to being literal. I’ve seen articles where people castigated them for what they felt was malignant intent, but I always thought the translators were aiming for modern language, as they saw it, and did some paraphrasing. I do look forward to the new translation. But I’m just as happy with going to Latin Mass. I’d love to go to a German or Polish Mass, as well.