New Catholic Mass Translation

At the start of the most recent liturgical year, the Catholic Church started using a new translation for the Mass. The changes were done to help make the translation more faithful to the original Latin liturgy.

Like any other major liturgical change, it has had its issues. Some have been upset over having to learn new prayers, while others feel that the new translation departs from the spirit of Vatican II. Others welcome the translation changes.

It seems like changes in liturgy often evoke strong responses, both good and bad. As an Episcopalian, I’ve seen a lot of this myself. In my own communion, I’ve known of those who refuse to worship in a parish that uses the 1979 prayer book, prefering the 1928 edition instead. Others become frustrated in parishes that they feel use Rite I too much, or aren’t willing to embrace even more contemporary forms of worship.

While these types of differences in worship preferences may seem trivial to our non-liturgical brothers and sisters, they really aren’t. On one hand, the Church needs to carry out its mission in a way that is relevant to the times. Yet, we are also called to be faithful to sacred tradition and to do things decently and in good order. Failure to do any of these things may ultimately lead to more sad divisions.

What do you believe is the best way to cope with liturgical changes in a sensitive way?

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