Our Readers Respond-Jan. 18, 2012

Not embracing new Mass translation
Editor: I have been reading with great interest the “debate” surrounding the new Mass translation. I could not agree more with John Lando, Mary Lu Callahan and Ralph LaMoglia (TLIC 12/21, 1/4) and share their frustration with the manner in which the new translation was forced upon the Catholic laity. I totally understand that the Roman Catholic Church is not and never has been a democracy, but it was wrong to exclude pastors’ and priests’ opinions in a matter of such importance.

Finally, with all due respect to Mr. Picciano and his references to factual errors and “non-sequiturs,” what kind of scientific data did he consult that leads him to conclude that “99 percent of Catholics are readily embracing these translations?” That has not been my experience, nor the experience of my Catholic friends or family.

When I recall most fondly the days I spent translating “Caesar’s Gallic Wars,” “Cicero” and Virgil’s “Aeneid,” my high school professors from Cathedral Prep would admonish me if I submitted a “word for word” translation of the Latin into the English. As Mr. LaMoglia put it so perfectly, translation is an art. It is just as important to get the meaning of the words correct as it is to get the words correct. “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you” carries so much more meaning than “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI and the cardinals and bishops who participated in Vatican II were not parties in “mischievous nuances of dissent” and did not create a “substandard translation” as Mr. Picciano asserts.

I strongly suspect this debate is just beginning!
James J. Long
Floral Park

‘Knowing’ God more important than words
Editor: I remember the Latin Mass. I used to recite the prayer responses phonetically. I had no idea what I was even saying. I appreciated when all was spoken in English! In fact, I have prided myself on “knowing” the Mass “by heart.” I concur with the cumbersomeness with the word changes; words such as “consubstantial” don’t exactly roll off my tongue, nor does the phrase “and with your spirit”. I no longer “know” the Mass, but I do “know” my God and my relationship with Him continues to grow. The bottom line is to continue to clear the dust from my heart in order to be open to Him and to be grateful for this “knowing” of His faithfulness. “Tomato” or “Tomahto,” let’s call the whole thing off!
Patricia Masi
Lindenhurst

‘3D’ view on Mass changes
Editor: Bravo Mr. John Lando. Your letter (TLIC 12/21/11) offers a unique perspective shared by many.

My own reaction to these changes is best described as 3D ... disillusioned, disappointed and disconnected. Despite the efforts of the bishop’s transition teams, I find the language in these translations disjointed, archaic and devoid of meaningful symbolism.

I personally have vowed to never utter the word “consubstantial” as it is meaningless and not of the modern English language.

So, I find myself mute during Mass ... far from engaged and belonging more deeply.

God help us all at this most difficult time.
Rosemary McNerney
 Levittown

Open our hearts
Editor: I would suggest to those who are “turned off” by the new translation of the Roman Missal to open their hearts and minds to this great gift of the Spirit to His Church. Try to participate in the sacredness, holiness and beauty of this new translation. If you listen to the words carefully, the Spirit will enlighten you to thank, praise and bless the Lord for this glorious new translation.  

As we have just left the old year behind, please try to move forward and embrace this translation. We should be thanking God who has blessed his Church abundantly with this new Roman translation which is all to His honor and glory.
Olive L. Zbodula
Manhasset

Msgr. McNamara on ordinary time
Editor: Thank you Msgr. McNamara for your enlightening column focused on Our Blessed Mother and a return to ordinary time. As you stated Mary performed countless tasks but also took the time to ponder in her heart all that was beyond comprehension. To think Mary was just a teenager and yet trusted in God and focused on Jesus. Even though we have now entered ordinary time may we not forget to ponder a Nativity scene and see our dear Blessed Mother and St. Joseph focused on our Lord Jesus.
Michael Balestrieri
Ronkonkoma