Pastor's Page: October 16, 2011
"Roman Missal: Two Months and Counting—Part II
On November 27, the First Sunday of Advent, the Roman Missal, Third Edition, the ritual text containing prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass, will be implemented
in the United States of America.
If you have been hearing the buzz but are not completely up to speed on the new Roman Missal, here are
ten things you need to know:
“For many.” One of the points that has generated more discussion is the translation of qui pro vobis et
pro multis effundétur in remissiónem peccatórum, presently translated “which will be shed for you and
for all so that sins may be given.” In the new edition of the Roman Missal, “for all” will be changed to “for
many.” There a several reasons for this change. First, “for many” is a more accurate translation of the
Latin phrase pro multis than the present translation. This is also the wording used in the Biblical
narrative account of the Last Supper found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Even though it is a
dogmatic teaching of the Church that Christ died on the Cross for all men and women, the expression
“for many” is reflective also of the fact that this salvation is not brought automatically, without one’s own
willing participation, but rather is a gift to be accepted. Also, in the context of the Last Supper, Jesus
was speaking to the Twelve, extending the reach of his sacrifice beyond the boundary of his closest
disciples. In the context of the celebration of the Eucharist, the phrase “for you and for many” connects
the particular gathered assembly with the larger sense of the Church in every time and place, as if to say
“not only you gathered here, but many more as well.”
Gradual implementation for Musical Settings. Though official implementation is set for the First Sunday
of Advent 2011, Diocesan bishops may permit the gradual implementation of various musical settings of
the people’s parts in the Order of Mass starting in September to allow the congregation time to learn
them. This applies only to the Glory to God, the Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Memorial Acclamations.
Composers have readjusted previous musical settings and new compositions are also being prepared.
New musical settings of the Amen and the Lamb of God, the texts of which are not changing, can be
introduced at any time.
What’s not changing. The structure and rite of the Mass itself is not changing, so the Mass will look and
feel the same. Some texts of the Mass are not changing, including the Lord’s Prayer and the Lamb of
God. The translation of Scripture readings used at Mass will remain the same, so those who proclaim
the readings (lectors and deacons) will not be affected in their ministry by the introduction of the new
Missal. Much of the hymnody and other chants sung at Mass will not be affected by the changes,
although many hymnals and other participation aids are being revised to reflect the changes in the parts
of the Mass.
Symbolism of posture and gestures. The symbolism of some traditional gestures has been recaptured in
the new missal. The gestures themselves have always been prescribed, but the introduction of the new
Missal provides an opportunity to teach about these long-standing customs. One such example is the
reverent bow during the recitation of the Creed. After the words “For us men and for our salvation he
came down from heaven,” at the words that follow up, “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin
Mary, and became man” all bow as a sign of reverence for the mystery of the Incarnation.
Proximate preparation. Parishes and dioceses are now abuzz with preparations for the reception of the
new Missal. The Roman Missal itself is the primary source of training and instruction for the new
translation. It displays rubrics, sentences printed in red that instruct a priest on what to say and do, how
and when to gesture, and when to sing the common prayers in the Order of Mass. It provides
instructions that guide the celebrant in leading the liturgy and the people assembled in ritual response
for each occasion.
The introduction of a new translation for the Roman Missal gives people an opportunity to pause to think
about the words they are saying every time they participate in the Mass. It is an opportunity for the entire
Church in the United States to deepen its understanding of the Sacred Liturgy, of its meaning and
importance in their lives. It also puts Catholics in contact with the Church’s tradition of prayer and helps
create a historical awareness. The new translation and the education Catholics shall receive before it is
implemented offer Catholics a chance to “brush up” on their knowledge of the Mass and of the Church’s
beliefs.
Peace and love,
Father Bruce
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