OVER the past number of weeks, most Catholic parishes throughout the country have become acquainted with the revised changes to the general liturgical responses of the Mass.
From the first Sunday of Advent (27 November), the complete revision will take place.
Significant changes will be made to the prayers led by the priest in the context of the various Eucharistic formulae for the Masses. The change of language has been greeted with mixed reactions.
Some suggest that the revision is more authentic to the translation from Latin to English.
Many find the new translation confusing, verbose and difficult. The language itself lacks inclusivity in terms of gender sensitivity.
As a presider of the Eucharist, over the past number of weeks I have deliberately tried to encourage the transition without putting a negative personal perspective because I value the gift that is the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is a source of nourishment, a moment when we ultimately gather to receive God’s presence in His word and sacrament. A presence that is celebrated in the hearts of all who gather.
For this reason, unity is key to the Eucharist.
There is no doubt that the new translation is dramatic in its change and somewhat archaic in its language, which is reminiscent of times past, and it struggles to engage with where most of us find ourselves in terms of belonging to the Church at this time.
The fact of the matter is that there was no real dialogue in relation to implementing these changes.
Dictated to from behind the walled city of the Vatican, the Irish Church simply had to comply. Like lay people, priests had simply to obey and ‘put up’ with this regulation. I believe the timing and the process of introducing this translation is not appropriate.
I also believe that the new translation by itself will do little to curb the diminishing numbers – particularly the young people – who attend Sunday Eucharist. I also feel annoyed and hurt that the language used in the new translation excludes women who, by and large, are the majority who gather to celebrate the Eucharist.
However, the gathering of men and women to worship and celebrate faith is itself a rich source of hope.
And actions speak louder than words. I believe to fully appreciate the Eucharist we must also be in touch with the hunger that yearns for nourishment within us all. The bread of life is a source of rich food that is a living sign of God’s presence.
The many occasions people gather to celebrate, such as weddings and funerals, and at various times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter, are key moments when God’s blessing can offer hope and consolation.
An active leadership within our Church at this time, I believe, is blatantly lacking – a leadership that encourages real dialogue and one that is prepared to ‘speak up’ for the good people who feel disillusioned and disconnected from the mainstream established tradition.
The coming weeks will take a lot of patience and ‘getting used to’ for those who attend Mass.
I pray that no matter what reservations we may have regarding the new translation, the real gift of God’s abundance and plenty will be, as always, our source of hope.