Farewell, 2nd Edition (?)

The Christmas countdown gets more intense as we head for Advent this coming Sunday. Amidst the purple hue of the priest’s vestments, the omission of the “Gloria”, and the lighting of the Advent candles among other things, there is a certain excitement and hope in the forthcoming celebration of the Lord’s Birth. This is made more exciting by my daughter who keeps on telling me and her Mom, “I like Christmas!”

There is however an issue that makes me dread Advent. I have never realized it until a few days ago that last Sunday would be the last Mass that I would be hearing the 1973 Roman Missal. Our parish gradually introduced the people’s response towards the end of September/beginning of October -other parishes in England and Wales, instructed by the bishops conference, began the introduction during the first Sunday of September. Next Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, the 3rd edition is to be fully implemented.

The 1973 Roman Missal (a.k.a. as the 2nd edition) has been in force all my life. It won’t be easy for me to just part ways with it not only because I got used to it, but also because that edition was easily pronounced and understood. As one home insurance company would say, that edition used “Plain English”.

I have spoken my mind on the new English translation on many occasions in this column. During our Rosary devotion last month, I have presented some facts on this to fellow Filipinos and from what I have gathered, there is a feeling of anxiety. It is sad to see how the Mass has become a cause of division rather than a sign of unity among believers. Furthermore, it is sad to witness how the Mass has become more of a wall rather than an open door that welcomes Christians from all denominations to prayer. To illustrate, the 1973 version of the Nicene Creed was actually written in agreement with other Christian denominations. With the new version being recited, it’s as though the Catholic Church has just thrown ecumenism out of the window!

For at least 2 Sundays in a row, I have sat at the back pews, having arrived a few minutes when Mass was about to start. It was a revealing experience for me as I had a feel of how my pew mates were responding – some still using the old responses such as “And also with you” and in a bit of a murmur. And I have done the same thing although I have my own Missal (with the new translation). I am lucky to have one as it helps in following the priest when he says the presidential prayers. It just made me think, what if I don’t have a guide? Borrowing Jose Rizal’s words in “Noli Me Tangere”, even the statues of the saints in the church might shut their eyes and doze off because of the lengthy words used in the new translation. Example: “…that I have greatly sinned…through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault…”(new “I confess to Almighty God”). Culturally, this would do your heading. “Ang kulit!”, Filipinos might say. “Yeah, I get it!”, English speakers would retort.

I sometimes feel not looking forward to another Sunday going to church because of what is happening. Are we prepared for the new regime? Perhaps. Is this a good start for the new liturgical year? Absolutely not!

What should keep me faithful to the Church in spite of these controversies is Jesus. As what was pointed out to me by my elders in Manila, it’s because of Him that I am serving the parish and worshipping in church every weekend. It is because of the Lord.

Lord, You once said that the “Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath”. In our Advent journey, fill us, Your disenchanted people, with the Holy Spirit as we face the challenges and controversies related to the changes in the Mass. May our hearts continue to recognize You and glow in Your love in this holy celebration, a celebration we have loved for ages. And if we falter, forgive our leaders for failing us. Forgive us too. Amen.