Catechetical Sunday 2011 Background on and Changes in the New Translation of the Roman Missal

Background on and Changes in the New Translation of the Roman Missal by Msgr. James P. Moroney. (in English and Spanish)

Msgr. Moroney explains the background, principles, and key textual changes involved in the new English translation of the Roman Missal implemented on the First Sunday of Advent 2011. The Missal contains the prayers and ritual directions for Mass—“the source and summit of the entire Christian life.”
The new translation follows Liturgiam Authenticam, a Vatican instruction promoting translations that more faithfully and beautifully convey the meaning and form of the original Latin texts.

Key Changes in the New Translation

1. More Accurate Rendering of Previously Omitted or Simplified Words

Example: Confiteor

• Restores the triple mea culpa (“through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault”), highlighting human need for God’s mercy.
• Reintegrates language truer to the Latin original.

2. Expanded and More Faithful Translation of the Gloria

• Restores omitted lines and original structure.
• Produces a text that is both faithful to the ancient Latin hymn and suitable for singing:
  • “We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you…”
  • “On earth peace to people of good will…”
• Enhances theological richness and poetic expression.

3. Greater Precision in People's Responses

a. Orate, fratres ("Pray, brethren")

• New text: “that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable…”
• Emphasizes both the priest’s sacrificial role and the people’s spiritual offerings. 

b. Ecce Agnus Dei ("Behold the Lamb of God")

• Newly translated invitation:
  • “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”
• Response becomes:
  • “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…”
• More closely echoes Scripture and expresses profound humility.

4. Restoration of "And with your spirit"

• Replaces “And also with you.”
• Reflects early Christian tradition and highlights the unique role given to the priest through ordination.
• Reinforces the theological distinction between priest and people.

Significance for Catechesis

• The Missal’s prayers embody the principle lex orandi, lex credendi—“what we pray is what we believe.”
• Catechists play a vital role in helping the faithful understand the meaning and beauty of the revised texts.
• The new Missal strengthens doctrinal clarity, connects worship to ancient tradition, and deepens participation in the Sacred Liturgy.
• Proper understanding will require study and pastoral guidance “for decades to come.”

catsun-2011-doc-moroney.pdf

catsun-2011-doc-sp-moroney.pdf