New Mass responses introduced

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu has started the gradual implementation of the new translation of the Order of the Mass during the Feast of the Solemnity of the Most Blessed yesterday.

Based on a circular from Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, the introduction on the implementation is divided according to length and usage at mass with the Creed as the last to be introduced.

Fr. Alex Balankig, Palma’s secretary, said the responses updated were according to the new translation of the Roman Missal.

He said the changes were approved last 2008 in Vatican by the English speaking countries.

In history, during the 1960s, the translations of the Order of the Mass from Latin to English were translated according to the different dialects of the different parts of the country.

The full implementation of all the changes in the Philippines will be on the first week of Advent, which will fall on November.

The International Commission on English Liturgy (ICEL) was the congregation in-charge of the translation which has been approved in the United States, Great Britain and Canada, among others.

“The implementation was done gradually so that our parishioners will be able to adopt and embrace the new changes fully before its full implementation on November,” said Balankig.

Among the major change is the response of “The Lord be with you.” Instead of saying “And also with you”, it will already be “And with your spirit”.

For the whole month of June, all the short responses of the assembly will be implemented , using “And with your spirit” at the introductory rites, during the Gospel, at the Preface, at the Rite of Peace, and at the concluding rites.

Since the beginning dialogue to the Preface is already introduced in the new translation, it is suggested that the rest of the dialogue would also be introduced. Also to be included is the “Confiteor” (I Confess) and the other forms of the Penitential Act.

“I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”

Next month the new changes in the Gloria, Sanctus and Memorial Acclamation will be implemented. These will require the help of musicians and the questions of existing compositions will have to be addressed.

In August, the Lord’s Prayer and Communion response will both be sung and recited and on September will be the Apostle’s Creed as well as Nicene Creed, including when and how they should and may be used.

Palma stated in the circular that in some areas, especially in Metro Cebu, those in August and September may be combined or a shorter period may be needed for preparation and implementation.

Beginning yesterday, liturgical commentators are also present during masses in order to guide the parishioners on the new responses.

The Archdiocese of Cebu also conducted a series of catechism last April in the different parishes of Cebu and held recollections wherein they explained the meaning of the new changes.

During the 3 o’clock Mass yesterday at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Marites Suico, 37, from Mambaling, Cebu City, was surprised with the new changes in the responses.

“Naanad man gud ko sa karaan nga responses mao to nga mura ko’g nati-ngala. Nabag-uhan gyud ko. Pero kay mao man ni ang usa sa mga bag-ong pamalakad sa simbahan, mosunod ra ko niini, kay total sa madugay, maanad ra pod ta ani,(I was used to the old responses which was why I was surprised. It was new to me but because this is the new policy of the church, I will follow because later on we will also get used to this.)” said Suico.

On the other hand, the catechist coordinator of the Diocese of Cebu, Teresita Camello, 75, who has been teaching catechism since 1979 for her part said “Naa gyud mga reaksyon gikan sa mga parokyano kay lisud pa ni sa sugod. (There are really reactions from the parishioners because this is really difficult at first.) Any change that will happen will be difficult for others but in the long run, the people will get used to it.” — (FREEMAN)