Friday 11 March 2011

The New Translation

We're using the new translation in its entirety here in the Seminary during Lent. This morning was the third celebration, and still the sky hasn't fallen down, nor has anyone walked out.

People have commented that it's much easier to listen to than to read on the page, which is encouraging. One person, who habitually likes to demonstrate his competence in the Liturgy by making all the responses louder and faster than anyone else, forgot from time to time, and a couple of times shouted out 'and also with you' (he wasn't using the crib card, to show that he didn't need such things) thus tripping others up. Some sacred ministers were a little lost ('as confused as a Jesuit in Holy Week', they used to say) but all in all, it has been prayerful and a good experience. I am encouraged.

This morning, the dismissal by the deacon was a little abrupt; 'go in peace!'. It sounded a little like 'go away!'

9 comments:

Sir Watkin said...

the dismissal by the deacon was a little abrupt; 'go in peace!'. It sounded a little like 'go away!'

On the other hand "The Mass is ended, go in peace - Thanks be to God" has a slight flavour of "thank goodness that's over".

The Church of England has an alternative form of the Agnus Dei, ending "give us your peace", which sounds almost threatening: "give us your peace, or else".

JARay said...

Well, perhaps the Latin needs a little adaptation! After all "Ite, Missa est" is a bit abrupt isn't it!
Go, it is Massed

Fr William R. Young said...

I wonder who gave permission for this praiseworthy anticipation. Can we ordinary punters ask too? Bishops seem very keen to say that they have no authority to permit early use. Are they being coy? Are we being tacitly encouraged to follow our consciences? Perhaps we should not be told.

Pax Vobis said...

I must admit I have, on numerous occasions, responded with a heartfelt 'Thanks be to God' when the priest has said the dismissal (but under my breath).

Sir Watkin said...

There have been times when a choir has been murdering a fine setting of the Agnus Dei that I have prayed "dona nobis pacem" with great fervour.

GOR said...

I suspect that in the southern US the “Go in peace” dismissal may be softened slightly to: “Go in peace…y’all”.

Fr. Hunwicke could probably find the Latin equivalent for ‘’y’all” (omnivos? v’somnes?) but might be hard pressed to locate it in the original text…

Little Black Sambo said...

Coverdale's translation of the Canon has "Take and eat/drink of this, ye all".

Anonymous said...

Y'all = vos/vobis. Second person plural. That simple.

. said...

Sir Watkin - "the mass is ended, go in peace" is still better than a literal translation of the Latin! "It is sent/thank God" sounds even more unfortunate...