Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, New Jersey has said that the
implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition is on schedule and
that one news report of major changes is inaccurate.
While a report in the National Catholic Reporter had claimed that the
Vatican had made major changes to the new missal, the bishop said that
the Congregation for Divine Worship conducted a final review which
uncovered “some minor questions of consistency, typographical errors and
layout” but these are being addressed.
“This review has not dealt with the translation itself. The critique
that has circulated has necessarily failed to take into account the
final version of the text, which incorporates some corrections issued by
the Congregation since the transmittal of the full text to the
English-speaking Conferences of Bishops in August 2010.”
Bishop Serratelli, the outgoing chairman of the U.S. bishops’
Committee on Divine Worship, said that the congregation had “faithfully
but not slavishly” followed the principles of "Liturgiam Authenticam" in
its treatment of the missal.
"Liturgiam Authenticam" is a document
published in 2001 as a follow up to the Second Vatican Council document
"Sacrasanctum Concilium," which was concerned with the Christian
liturgy.
The bishop said there is a final text that has received a “recognitio” approval from the Vatican.
“As the work of editing and assembling nears completion, there is
assurance that the published text will be available in more than ample
time for implementation in Advent 2011,” he continued.
He reported that the preparation of those involved in conducting the
liturgy is underway and has proceeded with “much enthusiasm and wide
acceptance” from both clergy and laity.
“It is clear at this point in time that there is an attitude of
openness and readiness to receive the new text. Let us pray in this
time of transition and change that the Roman Missal, Third Edition, will
enable all to understand more deeply the mysteries we celebrate,”
Bishop Serratelli’s comments concluded.
SIC: CNA/INT'L