Roman Missal — Information
FAQs about the Translation
Frequently Asked Questions:
- about the Translation
- about the Missal
- about the Introduction of the Missal
- about Resources
Become One Body One Spirit in Christ
- learn more about the interactive DVD
What is this new translation?
A new translation of the Mass has been prepared for the English-speaking world. The current translation used in parishes in England and Wales was prepared in the late 1960s following the renewal of the liturgy after the Second Vatican Council.
We use a translation of the Latin Missal. The Latin Missal or Missale Romanum is the foundation document for translations into other languages. It means that across the world though the language and local customs may be different the form of the Mass and the content of the prayers is the same. The Missal is therefore a sign of the unity of the Church.
Read more
- Learn about the Mass in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Missale Romanum 2002
Watch Become One Body One Spirit in Christ
- Receiving the English Translation > Changes to the Text
Why do we need a new translation?
There was a great desire following the Second Vatican Council to celebrate the renewed liturgy in the vernacular, for people to pray the Mass in their own language. The initial translation, which we now have been using for about 40 years, was produced quickly in response to this demand. From the beginning it was recognised that the translation would need to redone.
It is widely recognised that though our current has served the Church’s prayer for the last 40 years it could be improved. The original translators following the Church’s guidelines on translation chose a direct, plain style. This was achieved by often simplifying the texts of the prayers. One thing that people will notice with the new translation is that it is richer in style, in content and in such things as scriptural allusions.
There have two further important developments that highlighted the need for a new translation. The Holy See published a new, third edition of the Latin Missal (see more details below) and it also produced new guidelines of translating liturgical texts – Liturgiam Authenticam. The guidelines stressed the need for translations which are faithful and accurate, which respect the structure and the content of the Latin text and find ways of doing this in the vernacular which can ‘pray well’ in the liturgy.
Read more
Watch Become One Body One Spirit in Christ
- Receiving the English Translation > The Translator's Task
- Receiving the English Translation > Issues of Translation
How has it been translated?
The translation has been prepared by ICEL. The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) was founded in 1964??? by a group of English-speaking bishops at the Second Vatican Council. They recognised that the need for an English translation was one that should be shared across the countries.
ICEL is a mixed commission of 11 English-speaking Bishops’ Conferences which is responsible for translating into English liturgical texts issued by the Holy See. (→ more info about ICEL)
The 3rd edition of the Latin Missale Romanum (see below) was issued in 2002 and since then ICEL has be working on the English translation following the guidelines of Liturgiam Authenticam. The translation goes through a number of stages which are produced by ICEL and reviewed and commented by members of the Bishops’ Conferences and their advisors. The first text was issued to bishops in February 2004 and the last text was voted upon in November 2009.
Read more
- More about the process of translation
- ICEL
- Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Watch Become One Body One Spirit in Christ
- Receiving the English Translation > The Translator's Task
- Receiving the English Translation > Issues of Translation
What is different about this translation?
The starting point of this translation is the Latin edition of the Roman Missal. Every text has been newly translated following the guidelines of Liturgiam Authenticam. This means that many of the texts said by the people at every Mass will be different. One example would be the Gloria which by following the Latin text more closely is more expanded. The texts of the priest, such as the Collects and the Eucharistic Prayers, have also been re-translated.
Read more
- Compare translations of the Order of Mass
Watch Become One Body One Spirit in Christ
- Receiving the English Translation > Changes to the Text
What about other countries?
The Holy See’s document on translation, Liturgiam Authenticam, asks Bishops’ Conferences to retranslate all liturgical texts. So, other language groups are also reviewing and retranslating their liturgical books. However, it is fair to suggest that for many European languages, at least, which have either had a translation of the 2nd edition and/or one which closer to the fullness of the Latin text from the beginning the changes may not be as significant.
