Preparing for the New Translation of the Roman Missal

From Advent 2011, the Mass in English will be slightly different. The translation of the Latin original of the Missal (book of prayers for the Mass) has been redone. Most of the changes affect the parts of the Mass said by the priest, but there will be some slight changes in the parts said by the people. This change in the translation of the Missal is a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Mass, and to look in more depth at the prayers that make it up. With this in mind, a large group of Dominicans gathered in St Mary’s Priory, Tallaght (pictured) today to study some of the new texts and to learn about the history of the new translation. Bishop John McAreavey, the representative of the Irish Bishops on the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), led two seminars, and answered questions from the assembled friars.

Preparing for the new translation is a task for all Catholics though, not just celebrants. Have a look at the resources offered by the bishops of the US, England and Wales, and Ireland.