New Missal... Same Mass

The new Roman Missal is the third typical edition of the Roman Missal (Missale Romanum – editio typica tertia) promulgated by Pope John Paul II in the Jubilee Year 2000 and published in 2002. The English translation of this Missal is coming very soon. For a long time the English speaking believers have used and heard the words of this Missal which is the translation of the two previous editions of the post-Vatican II Missal in 1970 and 1975 respectively. Therefore, when the translation of the new Missal is introduced in the parishes, Catholics will hear some new words or expressions in the Holy Mass celebrated according to the Roman Rite. In this context, it becomes necessary to understand whether the new Missal is in conformity with the Tradition of the Church as a form of authentic progress. This book highlights how the new Missal follows the two principles for liturgical reform set forth by Vatican II: “sound Tradition” and “legitimate progress.”1 The new Missal includes several additions and modifications in rubrics as well as texts. In order to understand and appreciate the new Missal, first of all we have set it in the historical and theological context of the Tradition of the Church. This historical and theological perspective will assist believers to see how the Church, the bride of Christ has tried to give perfect expressions in her prayer during every century according to the contemporary needs guided by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With this background it would be easier to observe the modifications and additions in the various prayers of the new Roman Missal and discuss their significance and usefulness in pastoral circumstances. Before we begin to understand the changes in the new Missal and its vernacular translation, two popular misunderstandings about the Missal should be clarified. First of all, occasionally we hear people expressing concern that the new Missal is going to replace the Mass celebrated in English at present and mandate that in future Mass should be celebrated only in Latin. The new edition of the Roman Missal was published in Latin already in 2002 and it has been translated into several languages in the world. The new edition of the Missal that we consider at present is going to be in English and not in Latin; it is a translation of the Latin Missal just as the previous ones, which are currently in use. The Roman Missal is always written in Latin first then translated into vernacular. A second misunderstanding is that some express worries that the introduction of changes will cause confusion; hence postpone the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal. This fear is unfounded if one understands the history and content of the Missal. In the history of the Church there have been several revisions of the liturgical books and this new edition also fits into that pattern. The new Missal has been enriched in content, deeply rooted in Scripture and theology. The Missal has gone through a maze of discussions nationally and internationally with representatives from all English speaking countries, with experts in various fields, and bishops. One will find it instrumental to pray and articulate faith with better expressions rooted in Scripture and Christian Tradition. However, our human experience teaches us that introduction of any thing new including a new car or appliance would cause some initial discomfort which will be eventually overcome when one wholeheartedly begins to use it. Similarly, the new translation may sound different initially, which can be easily overcome with appropriate catechesis on the Missal and active participation in the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Joseph Lionel holds an STD from the University of St Mar of the Lake,Mundelein,IL. He is a priest and teaches at St Peter's Pontifical Seminary,India