On Sunday, November 27th, Catholic worshippers will experience the biggest change in the Catholic liturgy since Vatican II in the 1960’s. They will start using an updated Mass which comes from a new translation to the Roman Missal, the book that contains all the texts and prayers used during Mass.
Monsignor Richard Hynes, one of those in charge of implementing the changes within the Archdiocese of Chicago, says the current translation “didn't capture the depth of spirit of the original Latin. The new texts are more biblical. They strengthen their connection to the bible. There's a greater poetry in them, rather than just factual."
But changes in liturgy take some getting used to, especially when they involve spoken responses that worshippers repeat during the service. Some churchgoers are even annoyed by the changes.
The biggest changes, though, are found in the texts read by priests. Monsignor Hynes says he's sure that even he will trip over the new words. Other priests echo similar sentiments and fear reciting incoherent prayers that will render the service meaningless.
WEIGH IN:
Will this new Mass prove to be a better experience for the faithful? How will worshippers respond to the new texts?
Guests:
Tod Tamberg, Director of Media Relations for the Los Angeles Archdiocese
Thomas P. Rausch, J.S.(Societas Jesu) Father Rausch is the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University