October 17, 2011
Expert Theologians Give Perspective on
English Translation of Third Edition of Roman Missal
The
Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John’s hosted
the “Three Things Catholics Should Know” series which introduced
the topic of “Praying the Revised English Translation of the Third
Edition of the Roman Missal.” The event was held at St. Thomas More
Church on the University’s Queens campus on October 1.
The definition of the Roman Missal is the
liturgical book that contains texts and rubrics for the celebration
of the Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.
An audience of University community members,
neighbors and administration made up the more than 100 that were in
attendance at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens campus of the
University who came for the early morning lecture on September 29.
The audience had the unique opportunity to listen to three expert
theologians (Fr. Michael Whalen, C.M., S.T.D., Associate Professor
and Department Chair of Theology and Religious Studies, Sr. Julia
Upton, R.S.M., Ph.D., Provost of St. John’s University and Fr.
Timothy Lyons, C.M., D. Min., Director of the St. Vincent de Paul
Center in Philadelphia, PA) regarding the much anticipated Roman
Missal conversation.
The “Three Things Catholics Should Know” is a
series which addresses issues of Catholic belief and teaching. The
talks are primarily intended for adult Catholics who want to know
more about their faith, and also for those who are interested in
what Catholics believe.
The lecturers and their topics are highlighted
below:
- Fr. Whalen, C.M. spoke on the history of the Roman Missal with
his lecture titled, “From Loose Leaf to Bound Book: The Adventures
of the English Translation of the Roman Missal.”
- Dr. Upton lectured on “The Gift and Challenge of the Revised
English Translation of the Roman Missal.”
- Fr. Timothy Lyons, C.M. handled the topic of “Praying and
Singing to the Revised English Translation of the Roman
Missal.”
Fr.
Whalen, C.M. put the Roman Missal translation into perspective by
saying during his talk that, “Words are important but the heart
from which the words come from is most important.”
The Roman Missal (known as Missale Romanum
from the beginning) has been modified to include newly composed
text, church documentation and some “original” prayers down through
the years. Fr. Whalen’s lecture charted the origin and evolution of
the Roman Missal from the 4th Century to present day.
From radical change in 1962 to Pope John XXIII’s insertion of St.
Joseph’s name to the Missal text, in a said to be “untouchable
doctrine,” this Roman Missal has withstood the test of time.
For more information contact Dominic Scianna,
Assistant Vice President for Media Relations by calling
718.990.6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu. For
late breaking news and information regarding St. John’s visit the
University web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.