Poniżej możemy przeczytać list, który wystosował do nas Biskup Diecezji London, Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B.:
On the First Sunday of Advent 2011, we expect that dioceses across Canada will be introducing the new English translation of the Roman Missal. The translation that we are now using has become familiar and comfortable. For the past 35 years, it has helped us implement the reform of the liturgy following the Second Vatican Council. This translation, however, was intended to be provisional and has limitations.
Since Pope John Paul II issued the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal (in Latin) in 2000, the bishops of all English-speaking countries have made a concerted effort to produce a translation that is faithful to the Latin text, one that will transmit the rich biblical and patristic roots of the texts used in the Roman Missal. This new translation, then, will be an important means of nourishing the faith and prayer life of English-speaking Catholics all over the world.
The new translation will sound different from the language we currently use at Mass. It will be richer, more spiritual, more poetic. It seeks to express our reverence before the mystery of God, to respond to the hunger for God that our people experience, and to enhance the beauty and dignity of the liturgy.
I firmly believe that our diocese will benefit greatly, if we take time to implement the new translation well in our parishes. It is important for all of us – clergy, religious and laity – to study the new texts and become familiar with them.
Our priests and deacons participated in a workshop in September 2010. Together we reflected on the texts and opened our hearts to the rich tradition of our Church which is expressed in these texts.
This past October, our pastoral ministers, the leaders of religious education in our Catholic schools, and others attended workshops, which were held in two areas of the diocese. At these workshops, they learned about the reasons behind the changes and the resources available for parish catechesis.
Through January and February 2011, the diocese offered workshops for our parish musicians. These evening sessions examined the principles behind the textual changes, the role of music in the liturgy, and the possibilities musicians have to be agents of change. The walls of each workshop venue resounded with the new musical settings that will be used during the first year of implementation.
My hope is that the introduction of the new edition of the Roman Missal will lead all of us to recommit ourselves to a prayerful, faithful, and vibrant celebration of the liturgy. The implementation of the Roman Missal is an opportunity for renewal of liturgical practice in our diocese. Our priests, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers are called to lead our people in this renewal, to draw them into the mysteries that we celebrate on Sunday, to help them come to a deeper sense of reverence for the Eucharist, and to prepare them for the changes that will occur.
We will take time for a much-needed catechesis of our people to help them better appreciate: what the Mass is; what we are doing at Mass; what we mean by “full, conscious and active participation”; how the liturgy connects with our daily lives and our desire to grow in holiness; and how the liturgy sends us out to bring the Good News to others.
If we take time to reflect on the new Roman Missal and what it means for us as a Eucharistic community, then this time can be a blessed time for our diocese, bearing a rich harvest in our life of prayer and service. Just as the reforms of the Second Vatican Council produced many good fruits, so this new translation can be a moment of genuine renewal for our diocese.
If this renewal is to occur in our diocese the work of implementation will require a commitment from all of us. We need to seize this opportunity with enthusiasm, to open our hearts to the Spirit at work in this time of change, to pray that the Spirit will renew our diocese and strengthen our unity in Christ.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B.
Bishop of London
