.- The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) is releasing the draft of the English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal to bishops in English-speaking countries today.
Known as a "Green Book" for the color of its cover, the draft translates the Latin version of the Missal that was published in 2002. The Missal is the official book used by priests to celebrate the Mass.
In a letter announcing the release, Bishop of Leeds Arthur Roche, chairman of the ICEL commission, mentioned that he had solicited comments from bishops of the various bishops' conferences, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments and their advisers.
Emphasizing the importance of the consultation process, Bishop Roche expressed gratitude towards those who had commented: "A wide range of issues, both theological and linguistic, have been brought to the attention of the Commission, who in response have sought to shape texts that will meet the needs of the worldwide English-speaking Catholic community," he said.
ICEL's eleven member conferences include Australia, Canada, England and Wales, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Scotland, South Africa and the United States of America.
Bishop Roche said the introduction of the new translation will be an opportunity for renewed catechesis.
The final version of the Missal is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
