SOME OF THE most well-known prayers in the Catholic repertoire have been given a makeover in the new edition of the Roman Missal.
The new language was introduced in Masses across the country last Sunday but has come in for some criticism, accused of being both sexist and archaic.
Fr Sean McDonagh of the Association of Catholic Priests told TheJournal.ie that numerous women in his congregation were upset by the sexist language introduced in the new missal.
“The use of man as a noun is non-inclusive,” said Fr McDonagh. “It shows Rome’s unwillingness to take women seriously.”
A critic of the new language, the Meath-based priest agrees with the women of his congregation.
He also believes the new missal could deter young people from attending Mass.
“It is an own goal by an institution that should be getting its act together.Rome has again shown gross incompetence, which is driven by an ideology of control.
So, what exactly are these changes.
We’ve put together a simple, users’ guide to the brand new Roman Missal.
The beginning bit
When a priest says, “The Lord be With You” or “Peace of the Lord be with you always”:
The old response was: “And also with you.”
The new response is: “And with your spirit.”
The explanation: The change brings the English version in line with other major language translations and includes a reference to St Paul.
The Confiteor
The old: “I have sinned through my own fault.”
The new: “I have greatly sinned…through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.”
The explanation: To make it closer to the Latin translation, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.
Invitation to Holy Communion
The old:“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”
The new:
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
The explanation: The “under my roof” reference is found in the Bible and the Irish language translation.
The Creed
The old: “We believe,”“he was born of the Virgin Mary”
and
“begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.”
The new: “I believe,”
“was incarnate of the Virgin Mary”
and
“begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”
The explanation: The term incarnate is used to express the fundamental Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took flesh from Mary.
The Gloria
The old:Glory to God in the highest
And peace to his people on earth
Lord God, heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory
Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father
Lord God, Lamb of God.
The new:
Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to people of good will
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
The explanation: Again, to bring the English text closer to the exact Latin translation so all verbs are used and “God the Son” is addressed under all of his five titles.
Preparation of the gifts
The old:Priest – “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.”
Response – “It is right to give him thanks and praise.”
The new:
Priest - ”Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.”
Response – “It is right and just”.
The explanation: This is a more accurate rendition of the Latin text, Dignum et justum est.
A trained linguist, Fr McDonagh said that the Vatican should conduct a survey in a year’s time to see how people are reacting to the changes.
Despite criticism from priests, Irish Bishops have welcomed the changes.
Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore said, “The use of a new edition of the Missal is not simply about words or translation. The new Missal will enable us to come to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of the life of the Church. The new text is the result of the work of many people over the past ten years,” he added.