Discussion of 4 May 2005, celebrating.html
Comparison of GIRMs
I am aware of two approved English translations of the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal. The first was approved for the United States of America on 17 March 2003. The second approval was for the dioceses of England and Wales on 17 August 2004.
There are numerous differences between the two, listed below. Some are due to different adaptations deliberately made by the two Bishops' Conferences.
The English edition includes: "Copyright © 2002 the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) in the English translation. Copyright © 2005 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, in the emendations and editorial arrangement. "
The word "emend" means to "edit (a text etc.) to remove errors and corruptions" (Australian Oxford Dictionary).
I see it as encouraging that Cardinal Arinze, at the Vatican, has approved both versions. An alternative approach would have been for him to have said, "The first is approved, there should be no suggestion that it has errors and so nothing different will be approved for another country."
General Changes
The USA 2003 translation has "cf. below, nos. 387, 388-393". The 2004 translation has "cf. nos. 387, 388-393" removing "above" and "below", which are not in the Latin.
The 2003 "Act of Penitence" is changed to "Penitential Act" in 2004.
Individual Changes, from 2003 to 2004
24. From "that are entrusted to the priest celebrant. Nevertheless, the priest" to "which are entrusted to the priest celebrant, the priest".
26. From "and below (nos. 395-399) are" to "in nos. 395-399 are".
27. From "At Mass" to "27. Mass - that is, the Lord’s Supper - the People of God is called together,". This appears to be an error in the 2004 translation.
31. From "However, he should always take care to keep to the sense of the text given in the Missal and to express them succinctly." to "... express it succinctly."
37a. From "cantus post communionem;" to "cantus post communionem (song after communion);"
43. From "In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except ..." to "But they should kneel at the consecration, except ...".
Removed: "The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise." that was in the 2003 translation.
Added into the 2004 translation: "Nevertheless, it is up to the Conference of Bishops to adapt the gestures and postures described in the Order of Mass to the culture and reasonable traditions of the people. The Conference, however, must make sure that such adaptations correspond to the meaning and character of each part of the celebration. Where it is the practice for the people to remain kneeling after the Sanctus until the end of the Eucharistic Prayer and before Communion when the priest says Ecce Agnus Dei (This is the Lamb of God), this practice is laudably retained."
48. From
"In the dioceses of the United States of America there are four options for the Entrance Chant: (1) the antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual as set to music there or in another musical setting; (2) the seasonal antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop, including psalms arranged in responsorial or metrical forms; (4) a suitable liturgical song similarly approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop."
to
"In the dioceses of England and Wales the options for the Entrance Chant are: (1) the antiphon and psalm from the Graduale Romanum or the Graduale Simplex; or (2) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, the text of which has been approved by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales."
54. From "concluded with a trinitarian, that is" to "concluded with a trinitarian ending, that is". The 2004 version adds translations of these trinitarian endings which were only given in Latin in 2003.
61. From
"In the dioceses of the United States of America, the following may also be sung in place of the Psalm assigned in the Lectionary for Mass: either the proper or seasonal antiphon and Psalm from the Lectionary, as found either in the Roman Gradual or Simple Gradual or in another musical setting; or an antiphon and Psalm from another collection of the psalms and antiphons, including psalms arranged in metrical form, providing that they have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop. Songs or hymns may not be used in place of the responsorial Psalm."
to
"The following may also be sung in place of the Psalm assigned in the Lectionary: either the responsorial gradual from the Graduale Romanum, or the responsorial psalm or the Alleluia psalm from the Graduale Simplex, in the form described in these books."
62. Heading added: "The Acclamation Before the Gospel". From "the assembly ... professes their faith" to "the assembly ... professes its faith".
77. Added translations to two prayer endings given in Latin.
79h. From "and is confirmed" to and which is confirmed".
80. From "... his Body and Blood should be received by the faithful who are properly disposed as spiritual food." to "... his Body and Blood should be received as spiritual food by the faithful who are properly disposed."
87. From
"In the dioceses of the United States of America there are four options for the Communion chant: (1) the antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual as set to music there or in another musical setting; (2) the seasonal antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop, including psalms arranged in responsorial or metrical forms; (4) a suitable liturgical song chosen in accordance with no. 86 above. This is sung ... "
to
"In the dioceses of the England and Wales the options for the Communion chant are as follows: (1) the antiphon from the Graduale Romanum either with or without the psalm; (2) the antiphon with the psalm from the Graduale Simplex; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. It is sung ... "
88. From "praying privately" to "praying quietly".
89. Added translations to three prayer endings given in Latin.
91. From "offices" to "duties".
100. Heading from "Other Ministries" to "The Other Roles".
102. From "function" to "role".
105. From "liturgical function" to "liturgical role".
107. From "listed above (cf. nos. 100-106)" to "listed in nos. 100-106". From "office" to "duties".
112. From "Caeremoniale Episcoporum should be observed" to "Caeremoniale Episcoporum (Ceremonial of Bishops) should be observed."
128. From "the lector says the acclamation" to "the lector sings or says the acclamation".
130. From "as noted above (cf. no. 128)" to "noted above (no. 128)".
132. From "Munda cor meum (May the word of the gospel wipe away our sins)." to "Munda cor meum (Almighty God, cleanse my heart)."
137. From "by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . became man" to "by the power of the Holy Spirit . . . and became man".
147. From "that the priest say it" to "that only the priest say it". From "and recognized by the Holy See" to "with the recognitio of the Holy See".
152. From "says this prayer" to "sings or says this prayer".
154. From:
"The priest may give the sign of peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration. In the dioceses of the United States of America, for a good reason, on special occasions (for example, in the case of a funeral, a wedding, or when civic leaders are present) the priest may offer the sign of peace to a few of the faithful near the sanctuary."
to
"The priest may give the Sign of Peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration. He may do the same if, for a good reason, he wishes to offer the sign of peace to a few of the faithful."
155. From "May the mingling" to "May this mingling".
160. From:
"The norm for reception of Holy Communion in the dioceses of the United States is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed pastorally, by providing the faithful with proper catechesis on the reasons for this norm. When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood."
to:
"The faithful communicate either kneeling or standing, as determined by the Conference of Bishops. When they communicate standing, however, it is recommended that they make an appropriate sign of reverence, as determined in the same norms, before receiving the Sacrament."
175. From "evangelica dicta dicta" to "evangelica dicta".
181. From "vobis pacem pacem" to "vobis pacem".
199. From beginning a new paragraph for the last two sentences to including them as part of 199d.
223. From "Nobis quoque peccatoribus (For ourselves, too)" to "Nobis quoque peccatoribus (Though we are sinners)".
224. From "Nobis quoque peccatoribus (For ourselves, too)" to "Nobis quoque peccatoribus (Though we are sinners)".
228. Removed extra brackets around two Latin texts.
233b. From "Simili modo with", to "Simili modo (When supper was ended) with".
239. From "vobis pacem pacem" to "vobis pacem".
241. From "privately" to "quietly".
250. From "other concelebrants" to "otherconcelebrants".
254. From "explanatory remarks (monitiones)" to "explanatory remarks".
255. From "righthand" to "right hand".
259. From "priest says" to "priest sings or says".
267. From "commixtion" to "commingling".
268. From "commixtion" to "commingling".
275. From "honor" to "honour".
275b. From "made man" to "and became man".
276. From "Ps 141 [140]" to "Ps 140[141]".
277. From "public veneration. This should be done" to "public veneration, which should be done".
277b. From "righthand" to "right hand".
277. From "then going on" to "before going on".
283. From "the priest to whom, as its own shepherd, a community has been entrusted" to "the priest to whom a community has been entrusted as its own shepherd".
From:
"In all that pertains to Communion under both kinds, the Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America are to be followed (see nos. 27-54)."
to:
"The Conference of Bishops, however, may publish norms regarding the manner by which Holy Communion under both kinds is distributed to the faithfuland extending the faculty for doing so, after their decisions have received the recognitio of the Apostolic See."
294. From "diversity of ministries" to "diversity of roles".
298. From "An altar is called “fixed” if it is attached to the floor so as not to be irremoveable" to "An altar is called “fixed” if it is attached to the floor so as not to be removeable".
299. From "The altar should, moreover, be so placed as to be truly ..." to "The altar, moreover, should be in the place where it is truly ...".
301. From "... stone. In the dioceses of the United States of America, however, wood which is worthy, solid, and well-crafted may be used, provided that the altar is structurally immobile."
to "... stone or, in the dioceses of the England and Wales, it may be made of wood which is worthy, solid, and well-crafted provided that the altar is structurally immobile."
304. Removed: "When, in the dioceses of the United States of America, other cloths are used in addition to the altar cloth, then those cloths may be of other colors possessing Christian honorific or festive significance according to longstanding local usage, provided that the uppermost cloth covering the mensa (i.e., the altar cloth itself) is always white in color."
310. From "function" to "role".
311. From "is reprehensible" to "must be reprobated".
312. Two changes from "function" to "role".
314. The two paragraphs are changed into one.
326. From "In the dioceses of the United States of America these materials may include wood, stone, or metal which are solid and appropriate to the purpose for which they are employed. "
to "The Conference of Bishops will be the judge on this matter (cf. No. 390)."
329. From
"In the Dioceses of the United States of America, sacred vessels may also be made from other solid materials that, according to the common estimation in each region, are precious, for example, ebony or other hard woods, provided that such materials are suited to sacred use and do not easily break or deteriorate."
to
"In the judgement of the Conference of Bishops, after its decisions have received recognitio of the Apostolic See, sacred vessels may also be made from other solid materials that are precious according to the common estimation in each region, for example, ebony or other hard woods, provided that such materials are suited to sacred use. In such cases, preference is always to be given to materials that do not easily break or deteriorate."
330. From "nonabsorbent" to "non-absorbent".
334. From "are poured the water" to "is poured the water".
339. From
"In the dioceses of the United States of America, acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing."
to
"339. Acolytes, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture that is lawfully approved by the Conference of Bishops (cf. no. 390)."
346. Generally, the dates are changed so the day is after the month. For example from "24 June" to "June 24".
From "346. As to the color of sacred vestments, the traditional usage is to be retained: namely," to "346.Traditional usage should be retained for the colours of sacred vestments:"
346a. From "White is used in the Offices and Masses during the Easter and Christmas seasons; also on celebrations of the Lord other than of his Passion," to "White is used in the Offices and Masses during the Easter and Christmas seasons; also on Trinity Sunday, celebrations of the Lord (other than of his Passion)".
Added "White may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the dead in the dioceses of England and Wales."
346b. From "the feasts" to "the 'birthday' feasts".
346d. From "and of Lent" to "and Lent". Removed "(cf. below)".
346e. From "Besides violet, white or black vestments may be worn at funeral services and at other Offices and Masses for the Dead in the Dioceses of the United States of America." to "Black may be used, where it is the practice, in Masses for the Dead."
346g. From "On more solemn days, sacred vestments may be used that are festive, that is, more precious, even if not of the color of the day." to "On more solemn days, festive, that is, more precious, sacred vestments may be used, even if not of the colour of the day."
346h. Removed "346h. Gold or silver colored vestments may be worn on more solemn occasions in the dioceses of the United States of America." After 346g (without "346h") added: "Regarding liturgical colours, moreover, the Conference of Bishops may determine and propose to the Apostolic See adaptations suited to the needs and culture of peoples. keeping with the rubrics proper to each rite."
347. From "for example, no. 31" to "for example, in The Roman Missal no. 31".
348. From "strictly liturgical use" to "liturgical use".
349. From "really" to "actually". From "heavenly" to "higher".
350. From "Furthermore, great attention is to be paid whatever is directly associated with the altar and the eucharistic celebration, e.g.," to "Furthermore, every care must be taken with respect to those things directly associated with the altar and the Eucharistic celebration, for example".
351. From "351. Every effort should be made to ensure that even as regards objects of lesser importance the canons of art be appropriately taken into account and that noble simplicity come together with elegance." to "351. Even in minor matters, every effort should be made to respect appropriately the canons of art and always to combine a noble simplicity and elegance."
352. From "greatly increased" to "truly heightened". From "the culture of those taking part" to "capacity of participants".
From "This is achieved by appropriate use of the wide options described below." to "This will appropriately be achieved by use of the broad options described in this chapter."
From "The priest, therefore, in planning the celebration of Mass, should have in mind the common spiritual good of the people of God, rather than his own inclinations. He should, moreover, remember that the selection of different parts is to be made in agreement with those who have some role in the celebration, including the faithful, in regard to the parts that more directly pertain to each. " to:
"In planning the celebration of Mass, then, the priest, should pay attention to the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than his own inclinations. He should also remember that choices are to be made in consultation with those who perform some part in the celebration, including the faithful in regard to the parts that more directly belong to them."
From "lectors" to "readers". From "which text" to "of those texts".
From "Harmonious planning and carrying out of the rites will great assistance in disposing the faithful to participate in the Eucharist." to "Harmonious planning and carrying out of the rites will, to a great extent, help dispose the hearts and minds of the faithful to participate in the Eucharist."
354. From "On Sundays, on the weekdays of the Advent, Christmas, Lenten, and Easter Seasons," to "On Sundays, on the weekdays during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter,".
354b. From "his own proper calendar" to "a proper Calendar".
355. Generally, dates changed, eg. from "17 December" to "December 17". Also generally, from From "Easter Season" to "Season of Easter", similarly with Christmas.
355a. From "Mass for the current liturgical day is to be used" to "Mass texts for the current liturgical day are to be used." From "celebrated fully" to "celebrated using all the texts for the Memorial."
355b. From "it is possible to choose" to "one of the following may be chosen".
355c. From "it is possible to choose" to "one of the following may be chosen".
From "If he celebrates with a congregation, the priest will ..." to "If a priest celebrates with a congregation, he will ...".
From "sufficient reason, since" to "sufficient reason. For".
From "faithful" to "people".
From "moderation, since every Mass" to "moderation. Every Mass".
From "commemoration" to "remembrance".
From "the Eucharistic Prayer" to "every Eucharistic Prayer".
From:
"When, on the other hand, the option is given of choosing between a memorial found in the General Calendar and one found in a diocesan or religious calendar, preference should be given, all things being equal and in keeping with tradition, to the memorial inscribed in the particular calendar."
to:
"When, however, the faculty is given of choosing between a Memorial found in the General Calendar and one found in a diocesan or religious Calendar, the preference should be given, all things being equal and in keeping with tradition, to the Memorial in the particular Calendar."
356. From:
"356. In the choice of texts for the several parts of the Mass, whether of the Season or of the Saints, the following norms should be observed."
to:
"356. In the choice of texts for the several parts of the Mass, the following norms should be observed. They apply to Masses of the season and of the Saints."
357 1st from:
"For Sundays and solemnities, three readings are assigned: that is, from a Prophet, an Apostle, and a Gospel. By these the Christian people are brought to know the continuity of the work of salvation according to the God’s wonderful plan. These readings should be followed strictly. During the Easter Season, according to the tradition of the Church, instead of the reading from the Old Testament, the reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles."
to:
"Three readings, that is, from a Prophet, an Apostle, and a Gospel, are assigned to Sundays and Solemnities. By these readings, the Christian people are brought to know the continuity of the work of salvation according to the wonderful, divine plan. These readings are to be followed strictly. During the season of Easter, according to the tradition of the Church, in place of the reading from the Old Testament, the reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles."
357 2nd, from: "For Feasts, on the other hand, two readings are assigned. If, however," to: "In contrast, two readings are assigned to Feasts. Nevertheless, if".
357 3rd. From "readings" to "appropriate readings". From "highlight some particular aspect" to "truly shed light on a special aspect". From "pastoral reason" to "compelling pastoral reason".
358 1st. From "... unless there occurs a solemnity, feast, or memorial that has its own proper New Testament readings, that is to say, readings in which mention is made of the Saint being celebrated."
to "... unless a Solemnity, Feast, or Memorial occurs having proper New Testament readings, in which mention is, in fact, made of the Saint being celebrated."
358 2nd. From "If, however, the continuous reading" to "At time the continuous reading ...".
From "scheme of readings" to "plan of readings".
From "parts omitted" to "omitted parts".
359. From "certain needs" to "special needs".
From "Selections of readings of this kind have been established in this way ..." to "Therefore, selections of readings of this kind have been established, ...".
From "brought to a more ardent love" to "confirmed in a more ardent love".
362. From "362. The adaptations to the Ordo Lectionum Missae as contained in the Lectionary for Mass for use in the dioceses of the United States of America should be carefully observed."
to "362. In addition to the faculties of choosing certain more suitable texts, as noted above, the Conference of Bishops has the faculty, in special circumstances, to make further adaptations of readings, provided that the texts are to be taken froma duly approved Lectionary."
363. From "available" to "provided".
368. From "Since the liturgy of the Sacraments and Sacramentals causes, for the faithful who are properly disposed ..."
to "Since the liturgy of the Sacraments and Sacramentals, for the faithful who are properly disposed, causes ...".
373. From
"Days or periods of prayer for the fruits of the earth, prayer for human rights and equality, prayer for world justice and peace, and penitential observances outside Lent are to be observed in the dioceses of the United States of America at times to be designated by the Diocesan Bishop.
"In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass "For Peace and Justice" (no. 21 of the "Masses for Various Needs") should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day."
to: "certain situations either as matters arise or at fixed times. It is from these that the competent authority may choose Masses for special days of prayer that are established in the course of the year by the Conference of Bishops."
378. From "celebrate commemoration" to "celebrate the commemoration".
387. From "function" to "duty".
393. From
"... submitted to the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for review and approval prior to publication.
"While the organ is to be accorded pride of place, other wind, stringed, or percussion instruments may be used in liturgical services in the dioceses of the United States of America, according to longstanding local usage, provided they are truly apt for sacred use or can be rendered apt."
to
"submitted to the appropriate office of the Conference of Bishops of England and Wales for review and approval prior to publication.
"The Conference is likewise to judge which musical forms, melodies, and musical instruments may be admitted in divine worship, provided that these are truly suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use."
394. From "the of Bishops' Conference" to "the Bishops' Conference".
395. From "requires variations" to "require variations".
By J.R. Lilburne, 12 May, 2005. I give what I have written on this page to the public domain.