--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOSEPH N. LATINO
Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, MS
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September 3, 2010
New translation effective Advent 2011
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
          On Aug. 20, Cardinal Francis George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), announced the implementation date for the new English translation of the Mass for the First Sunday of Advent 2011. The new text was approved by the Vatican back in June of this year with the explanation that bishops’ conferences of English-speaking nations would set the implementation date.
          After some final edits and adaptations for feasts specific to our country, the texts are now being prepared for publication. This time for publication will take about a year. The English text we presently use has served us well for many years now and we will continue to use it until the implementation date in Advent 2011.
          Some have asked why we need a new translation. Upon looking at the present English translation in light of the Vatican’s publication of “Liturgiam Authenticam” in 2001, the church thought it would be prudent at this time in our history to study the Latin text and make some adjustments to the English that would be closer to the literal Latin.
          Many of the prayers and responses to which we are accustomed such as the Confiteor, Gloria, Creed, Eucharistic Prayers, Sanctus, etc, have changed. Each of these responses has been nuanced in a way in the new translation so as to capture the original Latin more literally and formally. The new translation will require all of us to take some time to study, prepare and reflect upon.
          For this next year, our diocesan Continuing Formation Committee has developed an implementation schedule for preparing parish leadership and parishioners for the new translation. Some of these resources may already be accessed through the USCCB website - www.usccb.org/romanmissal.
          The committee has already scheduled two presentations for parish leaders - the first will be Sept. 29, entitled: “Liturgical Leadership in a Time of Change” keynoted by Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson; the second is “Mystical Body, Mystical Voice” presented by the Liturgical Institute of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Ill., on Nov. 12-13.
          In the coming weeks and months resources and materials along with training workshops will be available for clergy and lay leadership.
          As we come closer to the implementation date, we will have a more intensively focused period of preparation for all our Catholic faithful.
          The celebration of the Eucharist is our central act of worship as Catholics. It is what makes us who we are. The Mass has evolved and developed throughout the centuries and it will continue to do so. The church has a great system in place to help maintain the dignity of the sacrament so that our universal church will reflect its unity throughout the world.
          As a diocesan church we will journey through this transition as a Catholic family. When the First Sunday of Advent 2011 arrives, all of our parishes will begin using the new translation together.
          In this way we will continue the centuries old Roman Catholic tradition of being connected to the larger worldwide church through our movements and actions in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Joseph N. Latino
Bishop of Jackson

LATINO ARCHIVES

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