Next week I will be on retreat at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington, Michigan. I look forward to my retreat every year. It is a week of silence and prayer. One of my main projects while on retreat will be to pray over the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal.
While the changes the changes for the congregation have been few; the flow and rhythm of how the priest prays is changing fundamentally. On the weekend of November 19 and 20 will we decommission the 2nd edition To make ready for the 3rd edition’s exclusive use on the First Weekend of Advent. You are learning your parts well and I realize there is always frustration with change.
The current translation was promised in the 70’s has been in the works since 1985. In 2000 and 2001 clear guidelines for the translation was formed and since then tens of thousands of people have been consulted to bring about this translation.
It took nearly 4 years to introduce the first English translation in the early 70’s causing much confusion. The changes made in this edition are clear and well thought out. I see the bishop’s wisdom in introducing the changes slowly. It can allow us to appreciate each change better so that we can celebrate using one text connect to the one text for all the English-speak Catholics beginning in Advent.