John Allen on Bertone and Trautman

The ubiquitous fair-minded writer for the lefty National Catholic Reporter in his weekly Word From Rome piece.  He discusses some very interesting things with his usual insight.

Do check out his brief interviews with The Chair and with Msgr. Moroney.

I will parse them pretty soon, but it is 5000 degrees in my room and only about 120% humidity so, I am just a little low in energy and motivation.

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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4 Comments

  1. Paul Murnane says:

    “We’ve sent a strong message to ICEL [the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, responsible for the translations] that the collects in their present form are not worthy. They’re too long, they use a sometimes incomprehensible vocabulary, and they follow the Latin word order too closely. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

    I think it’s safe to say that the good bishop is not a fan of wdtprs. Then again, Fr. Z, you probably haven’t lost a moment’s sleep thinking about that :) Also, after reading much of Bp. Trautan has had to say on translations, I get the distinct impression that “incomprehensible” to him is anything over 4th grade reading level.

    One thought I had on reading Msgr. Moroney: “wow, he’s the ultimate bureaucrat.” Was he appointed to his position? If so, for how long?

    After reading those interviews, I can already envision the catechetical battles after the translations are approved. Not exactly the types of leaders the US Church needs leading the fight.

    Looking forward to your thoughts on the interviews.

  2. Al says:

    Yes, Trautman will never be able to see sense on the aesthetic of the translations, but I think he might actually be quite good at helping to implement them. This:

    “We have to make the argument that these are better texts, more accurate texts. Liturgists need to coordinate efforts to explain that these are superior texts to those issued immediately after Vatican II, that they bring a new richness. For example, the linking of the liturgy to scripture, and the more exact details they offer. We have to communicate the theological principles. This is a whole new missal that comes from the Vatican, and calls for our response.”

    … is really very sensible, and it shows that he understands that ultimately he has to put his opinions behind him and back this project, or else there will be a liturgical civil war in the American churches.

    Oremus…

  3. Paul Murnane says:

    Al,

    I respectfully disagree. It’s like asking a leopard to change its spots. His comments show his is a shrewd politician, but his actions show his true colors. He will use every trick in the book to delay and continue to fight for his vision. I think this is just a strategic withdrawal; note his reference to waiting until the whole Missal is complete and his immediate mentioning of the collects. That’s your next battleground and we’ve got a front-row seat here at wdtprs.com.

  4. Andrew says:

    Msgr. Moroney:

    “In some cases, priests will be exposed for the very first time to theological insights into the celebration of the sacred liturgy …”

    “In the United States, we have more untapped resources to do this work than we can dream of. The liturgical renewal has worked better in this country than anywhere else on the face of the earth, and this transition gives us the chance for a real rebirth of the conciliar vision.”

    ————————
    What is the meaning of such statements? Why are they acting as if they’ve just discovered the universe? This is not a new text – its just a new translation. What’s all this hoopla about? Why don’t’ they just learn Latin. All clergy is supposed to know Latin by Canon law. That would help with the “rebirth of the conciliar vision” for sure.

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