Appendix I: Editorial Requirements for Granting the Concordat cum originali
"The books from which the liturgical texts are recited in the vernacular with or on behalf of the people should be marked by such a dignity that the exterior appearance of the book itself will lead the faithful to a greater reverence for the word of God and for sacred realities" (LA, no. 120).
In fulfillment of its obligation to ensure that each published ritual edition is worthy of its role in the sacred liturgy, the Committee, through its Secretariat, requires that certain conditions be met before approval is given for publication. Each of these requirements is set forth in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the liturgical text and in order that each edition might reflect the dignity of the word of God. The concordat cum originali must be obtained for all publications covered by sections A. Books for Liturgical Use: Ritual Editions and B. Other Liturgical Publications: Approved Liturgical Books for Use in Other Contexts in this document.
- The full and integral approved text (including all front and back matter) as provided by the Secretariat must be included in each edition.
- Sense lines, as given in the approved text, must be retained in all cases.
- When euchological texts (prayers) are printed, page breaks must allow each oration to be proclaimed in full, without page turns, to the extent this is possible.
- The format as it appears in the approved edition is to be followed. Any exception is to be given prior approval by the Secretariat.
- The colors of texts as found in the approved publication copy must be respected. Texts intended for proclamation must be printed in a color, font and size suitable for proclamation.
- The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments gives specific instructions for the quality of materials to be used in the production of ritual editions. The paper and binding of each ritual edition must be of an appropriate quality and durability. Traditional stitching or other means of binding should be used to guarantee that the spine will not split or drop pages.
► Ideally, the paper of a ritual book designed for cathedral use should be at least 70 lb. stock and resistant to wrinkling and curling. In addition, the weight of each page, as it is turned, should allow it to draw naturally to the left side of the center gutter to help complete turning with little effort. Ink is best which resists fading and smearing, should it come into contact with fingers or with materials used in certain rites such as blessed oils, water, wine, lemon juice, bread and the like. Inks whose color fades or changes when routinely exposed to bright light are also to be avoided. It is important for immediate readability that red inks result in vivid though not garish red print rather than shades of orange or brown (RT, Annexe: Physical Elements of Style, no. 13).
► Ribbons are best added to a liturgical book by being sewn to the inside binding on the spine; this will help to secure them from being otherwise loosened by the frequent pulling needed to place them correctly. Tabs are likewise intended to help celebrants locate the most frequently repeated prayers… In vernacular editions of the Roman Missal, such tabs should be used at a minimum on pages which mark the principal parts of the Order of Mass, especially Eucharistic Prayers I-IV, the beginning of Mass, the Creed, the prayers for the Preparation of the Gifts, the Our Father and the sections relating to the Blessing… [M]ultiplying the number of tabs beyond these essentials will reduce their overall usefulness and increase considerably production time and costs (RT, Annexe: Physical Elements of Style, no. 15).
Publishers are to note the number of ribbons and tabs to be included in each ritual edition with the submission of the manuscript.
► The placement of art opposite the title pages of liturgical books… is a long established and commendable practice. To be avoided is the over-use of decorative elements so that a liturgical book becomes weighed down with graphics that distract or clutter the page. Bishops’ Conferences exercise their judgment in the inclusion of appropriate art within vernacular editions of liturgical books (RT, Annexe: Physical Elements of Style, no. 11; LA, no. 120).
This follows with the principle that art be truly sacred, possess a noble beauty, and not be merely a sumptuous display (cf. SC, no. 124).
- Publishers must submit for the examination of the Secretariat staff the complete manuscript of the proposed publication, allowing six to eight weeks for review. The number and format of these proofs will be stipulated by the Secretariat.
- Final judgments regarding suitability of a manuscript for approval rest with the Committee. Any appeals of the Secretariat’s judgments must be made through the Secretariat.