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7. Liturgical Translations

For authenticity in the liturgy, it is essential that the translation of the text not be so much a work of “creativity” as of a faithful and exact vernacular rendering of the original text, which itself is the fruit of the liturgical renewal and draws upon centuries of cultural and ecclesial experience.

While fully respecting the genius of each language and avoiding a rigid literalism, an appropriate translation also carefully avoids paraphrase, gloss or interpretation. The explanation of the riches contained within the liturgical texts is the concern not of liturgical translation, but of the homily and of sustained catechesis.

The substantial unity of the Roman Rite is an expression of the theological realities of communion and of ecclesial unity and contributes to the rich plurality of the Church. Within their respective historical and cultural contexts, of course, the same may be said for the other Catholic liturgical families of venerable antiquity.

To this end, the practice of the recognition of the Holy See as desired by the Second Vatican Council (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 36; Instruction Inter Oecumenici 20-3 1; Code of Canon Law, 838) stands as a guarantee of the authenticity of the translations and their fidelity to the original texts. By means of this practice, a concrete sign of the bond of communion between the successor of Peter and the successors of the other Apostles, translations become truly the expression in the local Churches of the heritage of the universal Church. The Holy See may not divest itself of this responsibility, and the bishops, who bear the responsibility of overseeing and approving the translations, likewise regard their own role as a direct and solemn trust. In this delicate work, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will continue to cooperate in English-language questions in so far as possible with other English-speaking episcopal conferences.

COMMENTS

This section recognises and respects the genius of each language and the need to avoid a rigid literalism in translating from Latin into English and other languages. At the same time, it emphasises the importance of preserving the “substantial unity of the Roman Rite”. The statement refers to the particular responsibilities of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Holy See in regard to translations.

A practical problem now exists of the unavailability of many of our approved liturgical books. In the absence of these, parishes often use shabby books or even have to resort to photocopied texts. It is not uncommon for parishes to import liturgical books, approved in other English-speaking countries, including the Canadian New Revised Standard Version Lectionary. Confusion arises with such a variety of liturgical books in Australian churches. This problem highlights the importance of a speedy recognition by the Holy See of the Revised Sacramentary and the need for a decision regarding the proposed Lectionary based on the New Revised Standard Version.

QUESTIONS

Do people find the language used in the liturgy easy to understand? Inspiring?

What features would you like to see in future editions of the Sacramentary and Lectionary?