Effort to stop new liturgical translations at USCCB meeting fails

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Bishops vote overwhelmingly for liturgical reform

Comments: 14

Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie

Baltimore, Md., Nov 18, 2009 / 04:27 pm (CNA).- On Tuesday, a motion from Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Penn. to reject the new liturgical translations failed to garner sufficient votes from the U.S. bishops. The prelates went on to approve the new liturgical texts which will be implemented in the U.S. beginning in 2010.

Bishop Trautman, who has headed the bishops' liturgy committee in the past and is a strong supporter of gender-neutral translations, tried to stop the vote on the new liturgical texts by arguing that handing the translation of antiphons for the Psalms to the Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican was in violation of Church laws.

In front of his colleagues, gathered in Baltimore for the Fall USCCB general assembly, the Bishop of Erie argued that "no matter how well intended," a Vatican dicastery "cannot trump the magisterial authority of the constitution of an ecumenical council."

Bishop Trautman was referring to the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Liturgy, "Sacrosanctum Concilium," which establishes that, in general, translations must be approved by the bishops of the territories where they will be used.

He then suggested that Cardinal George was breaking Church laws by giving authorization to the Vatican to handle the antiphons which only a small portion of the liturgical translations being reviewed. He then proposed that the bishops insist on being given a final draft from the international translation committee in order that they be able to review it, suggest improvements, and vote on it.

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, President of the USCCB, explained that permission was given to Vatican officials after other English-speaking nations had complained that the U.S. bishops were taking too long to approve the translation.

As Bishop Trautman continued to insist, Cardinal George responded, "I feel as if we're doing guerilla warfare here."

"Maybe the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops could sue the Congregation [for Divine Worship] in the Apostolic Signatura," said Cardinal George, drawing laughter from the audience.

It is highly unlikely for an episcopate to sue a dicastery over such an issue, though it is technically possible.

Bishop Trautman's proposal was submitted to vote, with the majority of bishops supporting Cardinal George's decision to accept the Vatican translation 194-20.

The final five groups of prayers passed each with support from at least 88 percent of the bishops.

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, thanked the bishops after approving the last group of texts, calling it "a historic moment."

"I know the text isn't perfect, but perfection will come when the liturgy on earth gives way to that of heaven, as all the saints praise God with one voice,” Serratelli said.

The new liturgical translations which have been approved by the bishops will include minor changes, mostly aimed at making the English liturgy more faithful to the original in Latin.

Some of the changes are minor. For example, after the changes are implemented, the faithful will respond to the priestly invocation of "The Lord be with you" by saying "And with your spirit" which is a more faithful translation of the original in Latin "Et cum spiritu tuo," than the phrase currently in use "and also with you."

Other changes are more significant and theologically sound, such as those made to the Gloria and Apostles' Creed.

Nevertheless, most of the changes apply to the parts of the Mass that are recited by the priest.

The translation will be sent to the Vatican for approval, which is expected sometime in 2010.

Comments: 14

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Robert Killoren
Gahanna OH 01/18/2010 09:56 AM EST

I am shocked by the character assassination and calumny heaped upon Bishop Trautman, these angry voices obviously do not know the man, the depth of his spirituality, or the integrity of his character. Those who make a mockery of the Constitutions of the Church promulgated by Vatican II, mock the Holy Spirit as well. Maybe all these angry voices should reflect on 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.

Published by: Steve Kintgen
Milaca/Mn. 11/25/2009 10:06 AM EST

The word MAN is inclusive. The word woman-The Womb of Man. Shall we also gender-nuetralize the Church.Refer the Church to it instead of she.How would one gender-nuetralize the word Bride-the bride of Christ.Furthermore God Chose to be called Father by Jesus,subsequentially by us also. How sad that the mantras of Femi-nazis have polluted the minds of so many people.

Published by: Ale
Italy 11/22/2009 01:49 PM EST

Gorilla wars fighting for the soundness of the Teachings enclosed in the liturgy or butterfly squirmishes over the personally felt better sounding quality of a lexical choice over another? First should be the case if we want a solid Home built in the House of the Lord in the hearts of the wishing to be faithful.

Published by: Tomasz
Clinton, MA 11/20/2009 09:17 PM EST

John, the Greek text acutally uses the word anthropos (person or human being- gender inclusive) and not the word aner (man). So you are right actually the translation to catch people is closer to the original Greek version of the Gospel of Mark. I thought I needed to point that out, because often on this website the opinions are not rooted in facts. Francis, I have to say that inclusive language proponents can go over the board, and I am vary much in favor to use the names Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they are theologially accurate. But on the horizontal level, we do need to make it a little bit more inclusive. When you say, "brothers" that is what you mean, you don't mean "brothers and sisters" - what is wrong with "brothers and sisters" - nothing! The word "men" means people, mostly in the mind of men, not so women... this is a simple fact. Let's pray that they Holy Spirit give us some direction, and let us alwasy be kind to one another. Peace and blessings and happy Thanksgiving.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 11/19/2009 04:52 PM EST

Tomasz in Clinton, Mass: You are correct. However, it was not easy for me and for most Catholics when we hear how gender neutral people invoke the Holy Trinity like: In the name of the Creator, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost. This is precisely the gross violation of The constitution of the ecumenical council of Vatican II. Do we have a new kind of Vatican II Roman Catholics and bishops now?

Published by: John Dietrich
Vancouver, CANADA and Newport News, USA 11/19/2009 10:02 AM EST

Perhaps Bishop Trautman should lead by example and change his name to Trautperson. Gender-neutral language is ridiculous. Most men and women are not gender-neutral, so why should language be? Words like "mankind" have always included everyone, not just men. And people know this. The idea of language change that originates in Marxist academia instead of natural language change, i.e., from the people, stinks. Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men," not "...I will make you catch people." Aside from which, deliberately mistranslating man, woman, boy, girl, he, or she to "they" or to "human being" or to "individual" or to "person" is not really translating; it is paraphrasing. The idea of the "singular they" is absurd and is bad grammar. Perhaps the USCCB should be dissolved. That way, Bishop Trautman would be back in his diocese with more time to tend the flock. No, they in the Church who are more concerned with being inoffensive than in accurately translating the Words of Our Lord need a swift kick in the behind. Future generations will look back at this PC nonsense and laugh.

Published by: Tomasz
Clinotn, MA 11/19/2009 08:52 AM EST

The commentators on this article should be really ashamed by the language and slander they use toward Bp. Trautman. You have strong opinion on things liturgical so does Bp. T, but I doubt, knowing him, that he would ever use such a low hits and language in his defence. And what is wrong with saying, "brothers and sister" instead of "brothers." Is it more inclusive, yes, is it wrong, no!!! You are entitled to your opinions, but be civil as St. Paul would instruct his "saint." I find that in addition to expressing their opinions, most of the comments here are very judgmental and sinful- "how is the man even Catholic?", "you should be kicked out of the church." Civility pease! Bp. Trautman is not speaking on matters of faith and morals demeed infallible. He is expressing his opinion on translations and canonical procedures. I don't mind if one wants to be called a Neo Catholic or desires a TML than NO. If this is what you spiritually are drawn to, go ahead. But don't ask everyone, under the sun and the threat of eternal punishment or exclusion from the church, to follow your suit. At least, as it the Pope, be open to a variety of already existing, liturgical expressions. "Love one another."

Published by: B Howard
Atlanta GA 11/19/2009 07:35 AM EST

I can see having gender neutral language if the purpose is to follow the teachings of Jesus by creating an atmosphere of inclusion. Using the mass to unite and celebrate our gifts from God. The tone of the article gives the impression that Bishop Trautman was being divisive. I guess only God knows Bishop Trautman’s purpose.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 11/19/2009 12:22 AM EST

The constitution of the ecumenical council of Vatican II has many problematic issues. Bishop Trautman, you really have nothing better to do except to argue something so minor to a liturgy. By the Vatican II standard, people like you should be kicked out the Catholic Church. I agree with Francis in Wareham.

Published by: GFM
St. Louis, MO 11/19/2009 12:05 AM EST

Bishop Trautman, and the damaging feminist ideology he purveyed during the 1980s, has lost any influence he once had in the country and in the bishops' conference. His views on so called gender neutral language have been discredited and rejected by the Church and finally be the bishops. It's about time.

Published by: Tony M.
Maryland 11/18/2009 10:01 PM EST

I have to agree with Myles 100%. I think it was Bishop Trautman who gave us the horrible translations that we use today. Glad that the other bishops voted him down by a LARGE margin. One question--Was Bishop Trautman a member of the infamous class of Jadot bishops of the 70's? He reminds me of Bishops(??) Gumbleton, Weakland, and Sullivan of Richmond in his thinking.

Published by: DAVE KOZAK
READING PA 11/18/2009 09:34 PM EST

Some comments on here really show a deep disrespect for the pastors the Lord has given to lead the Church. The Holy Father would exhort us to listen to our Bishops.

Published by: myles keogh
Fort Riley Kansas 11/18/2009 05:19 PM EST

"Bishop Trautman, who has headed the bishops' liturgy committee in the past and is a strong supporter of gender-neutral translations, tried to stop the vote on the new liturgical texts by arguing that handing the translation of antiphons for the Psalms to the Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican was in violation of Church laws." Gender neutral support? How is the man even a Catholic let alone a bishop for taking a stance like this?

Published by: Francis
Wareham MA 11/18/2009 05:12 PM EST

Is this the beginning of the "reform of the reform"?! All of the Neo Catholics will like this. Myself personally I'll take the TLM which goes back over 1500 years.

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