Daily Archives: 26 November 2006

EXCERPT:
The first objective of our participation in the Church’s sacred rites is to praise God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and give God glory. Liturgical and Biblical Latin is rich with words and phrases which exalt and express praise of God. In fact, the concepts of “glory” and “majesty” are nearly interchangeable in this light. We, on the one hand, render up honor and glory to God in a way external to God. On the other hand, glory and majesty are also divine attributes which we in no way give Him, which He has – or rather is – in Himself by His nature. When we come into His presence, even in the contact we have with Him through the Church’s sacred mysteries, His divine attribute of splendor or glory or majesty, whatever you will, has the power to transform us. His majestic glory changes us. So, it is right to translate these lofty sounding attributions for God when we raise our voices in the Church’s official cult. Continue reading →

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EXCERPT:

At the end of this year’s cycle of WDTPRS some observations are in order. It was never my intention in this series to offer alternative translations to the official ones provided by ICEL. Rather, my “literal translations”, as flawed as they may be, are intended to stir interest and discussion. If they help you listen more closely during Mass, think about what you hear and engage the sacred action with “full, conscious, and active” participation then WDTPRS is a success.

Second, this series has aimed at promoting accurate and beautiful translations in keeping with the normative document Liturgiam authenticam. At my urging you readers sent positive letters of support to the members of the Vox Clara committee, bishops, and heads of Vatican dicasteries. You prayed for and offered penances for all those involved. As a result WDTPRS played a concrete role in the process of creating new translations, including the critical “pro multis” debate.

Third, I have endeavored to maintain a positive tone in relating news and comments about matters of liturgy and other issues of importance to the life of the Church. My conviction is that we can report and debate and lobby and opine and analyze without tattling, bickering, nagging, ranting, or carping.

Continue always with your prayers for bishops and priests. Support them by means of fasting and other mortifications. Their vocations are extremely difficult. Liturgical renewal depends on them but both societal and demonic forces are arrayed against them. The salvation of many souls, including their own, depends on their work. Discerning and implementing the right thing to do is difficult, and the pressures to cave in are great. Your support, both hidden and manifest, will make all the difference in the future. Continue reading →

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What Does the Prayer Really Say?  34th and Last Sunday in Ordinary Time – Solemnity of Christ the King
ORIGINALLY PRINTED IN The Wanderer in 2003
This is the last column of WDTPRS focusing on the proper prayers of Sunday Masses (at … Continue reading →

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