Church publishes primer on new Missal

New translation will contain changes to some familiar responses in the English Mass.

ucanews.com reporter, Manila. Philippines
A primer on the new English translation of the Roman Missal was launched today in preparation for its implementation late next year.

The primer, published by the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy , was written by Father Anscar J. Chupungco and will be sold for 100 pesos (US$2.33)

Father Chupungco said the primer explains major changes in the translation and offers analysis and catechesis. “The text to be discussed is shown in Latin and in the 1973 and 2010 English translations. This facilitates quick comparison between the Latin text and its translations.”The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines voted for the adoption of the new translation during its plenary assembly in January.

The Vatican approved the translation for use in the Philippines beginning December 2 next year.

The new translation of the Roman Missal, which will contain changes to some familiar responses and prayers in the English Mass, will be released in June next year, Father Chupungco said.

In the Introductory Rites, for instance, the response of the faithful “And also with you” to the priest’s greeting “The Lord be with you” will be replaced with “And with your spirit.”

The new translation will also incorporate local celebrations such as the Misa de Aguinaldo (Dawn Mass), the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) and the feast of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).

English-speaking countries, including the Philippines, are currently using the 1973 English translation of the Roman Missal prepared by the International Commission on English Liturgy.

Dr. Josefina Manabat, dean of the Graduate School of Liturgy of San Beda College, said considerable effort went into the creation of the recently published primer.

“Proficient knowledge of both the source language (Latin) and the target language (English) combined with solid liturgical scholarship and adeptness in the scientific method of translation – this is the formula that produced the Catechetical Primer.”