The Mass in English

The Tablet reports that English-speaking Catholics may be another step closer to hearing the new order of Mass in English.

Vox Clara clears way for new text. The Vatican-sponsored Vox Clara Committee, the ad-hoc group of 12 English-speaking bishops charged with ensuring a more literal translation of Latin liturgical texts, has noted “impressive improvements” in the most recent texts submitted by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL).

I once heard Fr George Rutler interviewed on EWTN with a few other priests who were priest-converts from one branch or other of Anglicanism. The conversation found its way to Vatican II and the changes in the liturgy. The moderator commented to Fr Rutler that, of course, he didn't have to accustom himself to saying Mass in English. "No", said Fr Rutler. "I always said Mass in Engish; I had to get used to Mass in the vernacular, though."

Yes, indeed. Point taken, Father. Those of us who came to the Faith early went directly from Latin to the vernaclar without ever passing through English. Maybe that lacuna is on the way to a remedy.

The rest of the article is here.


Jeffrey Mirus comments wisely on the translation wars here.