New Latin translation taken in stride
Deacon Robert Campbell, right, blesses ashes before distributing them to parishioners at St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church in East Rockaway on Ash Wednesday. Credit: Kevin P. Coughlin
I find myself amused by the reaction to Rome's decision to revert the Mass language to a more accurate translation of the original Latin ["Mass prayers get rewrite," News, April 15]. Most of the people in the pews are rolling right along with the news. I have heard no angst from anyone in my parish.
The clergy are reportedly concerned that the people will be confused or unable to make the adjustment. Not to worry. We did, after all, survive the liturgical changes as a result of Vatican Two -- they were life-changing for many -- and we're still standing (and sitting and kneeling too!).
As for the conspiracy theory that this is being done to minimize the laity and underscore the primacy of the priest, there is no Mass without the priest. It's not about the people or the priests. It's about worship and the poetry of it. We are, after all, praising God.
Deep cleansing breaths, everyone. Now on to the next 2,000 years.
Susan B. Picciano, Melville
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