Roman Missal, Third Edition
Implemented the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2011
"The words we say and hear at every Mass are about to change. Mass will remain the same, but the sound will be different. Most of these words are English translations of texts first composed in Latin.
"This revised translation pertains to the book we previously called The Sacramentary. It will not affect the scripture readings, the Prayer of the Faithful or your favorite hymns. The new translation pertains to the words we speak or sing at every Mass and to the prayers that the priest recites alone from The Sacramentary. Even the title of The Sacramentary will have a new translation; we will now refer to it as The Roman Missal.
The third edition of The New Roman Missal in Latin was published in 2002. The first complete English translation dates to 1973, though some parts of the Mass first appeared in English as early as 1970. After a generation of usage, the translation we know well has been revised to reflect the current Latin edition.
Translators now have a better sense of how to achieve desired results. They have a firmer grasp of the meaning of the original texts and of the demands of oral proclamation. The revised translations will have more depth. As people say and hear the new words, they should appreciate even more the value of the faith they hold so dear." (Understanding the Revised Mass Texts by Paul Turner |
Strengths of the New Translation
- More faithful and accurate translation of the Latin text
- Language that preserves the dignity, beauty and doctrinal precision of the Latin text
- More connections to Scripture
- Similar to how other language groups in the world have translated the Latin
- Establishes unity in worship among all English speaking countries
- A more noble and reverent prayer style
"The new translation will employ the best of what we have learned about translation and liturgical language in two generations of celebrating the Liturgy in the vernacular. It will provide an opportunity to reflect ever more deeply on the eucharistic celebration that lies at the heart of the Church's life." (USCCB website)
New Roman Missal Resources
Print Resources
- "The Mystery of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of Mass," Lawrence J. Johnson, available from FDLC.
- "With One Voice: Translation and Implementation of the Roman Missal," Articles by Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Rev., John Foster, Rev. Mark Francis and Rev. Paul Turner. Available from USCCB Publishing and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.