A New Translation

Let me try an experiment. If I say, "Dominus Vobiscum," what's your response? If you made no response, you probably are a Catholic from after the time of our last major translation of the Mass prayers. If you said, "Et cum spiritu tuo," you probably were around when the Mass was in Latin, as it had been in in the Western Church for centuries. Now, we pray the Mass in many different languages, all translated from an official, Latin text.

Lately, I've been learning Italian from a tutor. The most frustrating moments are when she looks back at me, clueless as to what I've just said! I've come to appreciate the work of translators.

The last time the Mass prayers were changed was around 40 years ago. The translators followed a Church instruction on how to do their job. They were free to produce a translation that did not always have to be strictly literal. It could reflect the new language's culture and context. But no translation is perfect. A translator knows someone may come afterward and do a better job. For example, translations of the Bible are always being revised.

We will have a new set of Mass prayers this Advent because the Church has judged that the initial English translation wasn't completely successful or accurate. New rules instruct translators to choose words that more accurately expresses what the official Latin text says. The Holy Father believes that a greater fidelity to the Latin texts will create a greater sense of dignity and better express the meaning of the sacred actions.

You've probably heard that the response to "The Lord be with you," will change from "And also with you," to "And with your spirit." It's closer to the Latin—and, by the way, closer to what Catholics in other countries have been praying in their languages as well

When I go to visit my Italian tutor, my experience is usually mixed. Sometimes I feel very foolish and stupid—unable to grasp what I'm hearing or speaking. Other times, I'm thrilled to understand—beyond the words I'm speaking—the richness of a culture.

Our Catholicism is "incarnated" in the language, the ritual and the symbols of our liturgy—and in each of us. May our month-long series of ACR programs devoted to the new Mass translation assist your listeners in their prayers each Sunday. May the Holy Spirit be with us all, so that we can discover the eternal truth and beauty of the Mass.

Father Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

Use the links below to preview the shows or download them in MP3 format for broadcast.

#11-45 (ideal airdates 10/31/2011 to 11/6/2011)

Highlights from this episode include:

Living Faith

Judy Zarick talks with Martin Sheen about his new movie, The Way, and how making this film has impacted his spiritual life.

Franciscan Father Dan Kroger answers two pastoral questions: What is the significance of the Tau cross? and Why does conversion happen quickly for some people but more slowly for others?

John Feister's guest is Father Paul Turner, a. priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, and pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, Missouri. A team member for the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, he also serves as a facilitator for ICEL (International Commission on English in the Liturgy). He's the author of several books, including Celebrating Initiation: A Guide for Priests (World Library Publications 2008) and When Other Christians Become Catholic (Liturgical Press 2007). He writes "Bulletin Inserts" for Ministry and Liturgy magazine. Father Turner has been helping priests and laity around the U.S. prepare for the introduction of the new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition. He spoke with John about the structure of the Mass.

Barbara Beckwith reads from 150 Bible Verses Every Catholic Should Know, by Patrick Madrid (a Servant Book published by St. Anthony Messenger Press).

#11-46 (ideal airdates 11/7/2011 to 11/13/2011)

Highlights from this episode include:

Living Faith

Judy Zarick talks with composer and artist John Michael Talbot about the New Roman Missal and the changes about to occur in our parishes. John Michael shares with us some of his new compositions for the Mass.

Franciscan Father Don Miller answers two ethical questions: May an Episcopalian with no access to her own services receive the Eucharist at a Catholic Mass? and Does the Church recognize the marriage of two Catholics performed by a Justice of the Peace?

John Feister's guest is Father Paul Turner, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, is pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, Missouri. He serves as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). He's the author of several books to help priests and laity prepare for the introduction of the new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, and has given numerous workshops around the U.S. on this subject. He spoke with John about the prayers of the Mass.

Paul Smith reads from A Father Who Keeps His Promises, written by Scott Hahn and published in audiobook form by St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Link to audio features Saint of the Day, Sunday Soundbites, and American Catholic Radio.

A weekly half-hour catechetical program, in the popular style of the Franciscans.