New Missal Translation Passed by USCCB! (Not Without Speedbumps)

US Adaptation of Roman Missal passed. Serratelli calls this historic moment. George quips, "Not yet." Serratelli: Perfection will come when liturgy on Earth gives way to worship of God in Heaven.

November 17, 2009

[Reading the moment by moment replay below may seem drab, but I assure you - it will perhaps be a bit entertaining or at the very least, enlightening. Bishops are indeed human...]

• Deliberation on liturgy begin by addressing Trautman concern about antiphons.
• Trautman asserts that Rome is overstepping rights of the Conference to consider this part of the translation.
• Trautman moves to have graybook from ICEL on antiphons before recognitio be issued.
• Serratelli answers Trautman's charge. Paprocki is addressing the Code of Canon Law.
• Paprocki has taken the meeting into Latin.
• Paprocki says Trautman has raised a legitimate point. George says this question should be discussed later. Trautman says no.
• George urges that the bishops move on to the work before them. Trautman asks to speak again.
• Trautman notes that his motion is still alive. "Not to complicate matters further, but ..."
• Serratelli is introducing Proper of Saints, noting this is bishops' last chance for input.
• Passage of this, as other items, requires 2/3 vote of Latin-member bishops.
• Serratelli notes that a decade-long process is nearing an end.
• Bishop Sklba stands to note good work of Serratelli and committee, but flaws of translation.
• Sklba suggests that welcoming of traditional Anglicans will mean our translation is unfavorably compared to Book of Common Prayer.
• Niederauer notes that everyone can find something to dislike here. Blaire notes that other English-speaking countries have passed this.
• Bishops voting on Proper of Saints.
• 88% percent of bishops approve (195)
• Serratelli presents Roman Missal Supplement.
• There are no amendments to this document.
• Silva notes that saint whose feast is celebrated in Hawaii is eligible to be on national calendar.
• Serratelli and George say this can be considered under US Proper discussion.
• Serratelli presents translation of Commons.
• In arguing inclusion of Hawaiian saint, Silva notes several saints on calendar who lack the "national cultus" his saint presumably lacks.
• Bishop Rosazza notes that English-speaking bishops seem to be held to tighter translation than, say, the French.
• Bishop Trautman re-raises point about Rome stepping in on the antiphons. Serratelli asks that current text be addressed.
• Impromptu amendment on mentioning Native Americans accepted on the spot.
• US Propers goes up for vote. Bishops approve.
• US Adaptation of Roman Missal passed. Serratelli calls this historic moment. George quips, "Not yet."
• Serratelli: Perfection will come when liturgy on Earth gives way to worship of God in Heaven.
• Serratelli speaks on importance of catechesis on translation. Says time of implementation of translation will be determined by recognitio.
• George thanks head of ICEL for his work on the translation.
• George says Trautman issue will still be addressed, as Conference may have right to translate antiphons.
• Says USCCB could sue Congregation in Apostolic Signatura, or USCCB could say they approve Congregation's help with translation.
• Bishops take evening coffee break.
• Trautman makes motion on antiphons.
• Wuerl asks if body can simply approve antiphons based on what they've seen in order to get recognitio.
• Abp. Myers asks if another vote follows recognitio.
• Vigneron asks if Trautman's motion might be remanded to committee. Wants thoughtful review of appropriate people.
• Chaput wants opinion of canonist if bishops can vote to delegate to the Congregation on matter of antiphons.
• Conlon, Bruskewitz, Mahony, Listecki, Sample, others speak up.
• Pilarczyk offers to submit motion that work on antiphons be remanded to Rome.
• Trautman says bishops shouldn't get into habit of walking away from having their rights overstepped.
• Bishops voting on Trautman motion.
• Motion fails.
• Pilarczyk submits motion that antiphons be remanded to Rome. Bishops voting.
• Motion passes overwhelmingly.
• Bishops proceed to doctrine action item. Bishop Lori presents. [Discussing end of life issues - medically assisted hydration and nutrition]

From the USCCB Media Twitter 'tweets':

November 16, 2009

• Bishop Serratelli at the podium for presentation of final five Roman Missal translation items.
• Says plan for translation set deadline for this month. All changes must be sent to Rome at this session to be considered.
• Anticipates Rome's recognition in first half of 2010. Publisher needs 12 months to produce translation in English.
• Presenting Proper of Saints. Bishop Trautman wants to know when he could raise issue on antiphons. George says will find time. [Pondering note: Bishop Trautman has been vocally opposed to the new translation for quite some time. He thinks the people in the pew are not sophisticated enough to understand some of the new words]
  
• Serratelli now introducing ICEL translation of Roman Missal Supplement.
• Serratelli presents ICEL translation of the Commons. More than 150 translation suggestions on this received by ICEL.
• Now presenting the US Propers.
• Committee has modified prayers for July 4 to allow for more inclusive language.
• Prelude for Thanksgiving Day Mass revised to answer concerns of several bishops.
  
• Now presenting US Adaptation to the Roman Missal.