Criticism of new Missal "not helpful"

The English translation process of the revised missal started in 2002, following the principles of Liturgiam Authenticam, which called for a more literal translation to vernacular languages.

"The original text, insofar as possible, must be translated integrally and in the most exact manner, without omissions or additions in terms of their content, and without paraphrases or glosses," the 2001 Vatican instruction said.

"Any adaptation to the characteristics or the nature of the various vernacular languages is to be sober and discreet."

It is hoped the new translation can be used from Advent 2010 in New Zealand, but that depends on final approval by the Vatican.

More than 18,000 people - including several dozen from New Zealand - have signed the "What if we just said wait?" petition, calling for trials of the translations, instead of widespread adoption. New Zealand signatories include priests and religious and the principal of a Catholic secondary school.

Another online petition - "We have waited long enough", with about 5000 signatures - is calling for no delay.

Bishop Browne, who is executive secretary of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, said he did not think either of the petitions were "helpful".

He told NZ Catholic the first petition comes from a sole Catholic clergyman and his American supporters who have "been opposed to the new missal translations from the start".

But there had been a widespread opportunity for the Church to be involved in the preparation of the Mass text in English since 2002 when ICEL began its translation work, Bishop Browne said.

"There have been opportunities at the level of the council of priests, bishops conferences and national liturgy offices as each section of the translation has been completed and handed on to episcopal conferences for further consultation," the bishop explained.

There have been consultations with the text's original compilers and an ICEL editorial committee has been meeting and examining the texts several times a year for an extended period, he added.

"People need to know that there will never be the perfect text since there are different expressions of the English language, wherever it is used."

Bishop Browne rejected allegations that the new translations are awkward in places, will affect prayer, cause division, undermine Vatican II teaching and make the Church seem irrelevant.

Critics seem to think Liturgiam Authenticam should be ignored, he said.

But this document correctly implies that "the current English text was prepared very hurriedly and did not do justice in some cases to the meaning of the original Latin text", he added.

"The document, in my view, is right in calling for the translation to be 'sacral' rather than everyday English.

"In other words, people should be able to hear an expression that uplifts them rather than be content with an expression that is mundane."

Bishop Browne said for that reason, the translators should be congratulated rather than condemned.

"I have confidence that the majority of the congregations will be uplifted and learn a new sacral language that will help them to be more prayerful as they celebrate the Eucharist," he said.