Bishop Serratelli denies report new Roman Missal underwent major changes

Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, New Jersey has said that the implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition is on schedule and that one news report of major changes is inaccurate.

While a report in the National Catholic Reporter had claimed that the Vatican had made major changes to the new missal, the bishop said that the Congregation for Divine Worship conducted a final review which uncovered “some minor questions of consistency, typographical errors and layout” but these are being addressed.

“This review has not dealt with the translation itself. The critique that has circulated has necessarily failed to take into account the final version of the text, which incorporates some corrections issued by the Congregation since the transmittal of the full text to the English-speaking Conferences of Bishops in August 2010.”

Bishop Serratelli, the outgoing chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, said that the congregation had “faithfully but not slavishly” followed the principles of "Liturgiam Authenticam" in its treatment of the missal.

"Liturgiam Authenticam" is a document published in 2001 as a follow up to the  Second Vatican Council document "Sacrasanctum Concilium," which was concerned with the Christian liturgy.

The bishop said there is a final text that has received a “recognitio” approval from the Vatican.

“As the work of editing and assembling nears completion, there is assurance that the published text will be available in more than ample time for implementation in Advent 2011,” he continued.

He reported that the preparation of those involved in conducting the liturgy is underway and has proceeded with “much enthusiasm and wide acceptance” from both clergy and laity.

“It is clear at this point in time that there is an attitude of openness and readiness to receive the new text.  Let us pray in this time of transition and change that the Roman Missal, Third Edition, will enable all to understand more deeply the mysteries we celebrate,” Bishop Serratelli’s comments concluded.

SIC: CNA/INT'L