Philippines

Philippines adopts new Roman Missal translation

Published: December 03, 2012 05:04 AM GMT

Updated: December 02, 2012 06:04 PM GMT

Filipinos officially started using a new English translation of the liturgy yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, almost a year after the Catholic bishops’ conference voted to adopt the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.

Church officials prepared people for the changes in the liturgy by holding catechism classes and seminars over the past 11 months.

Some dioceses, however, started using the new English translation earlier.

In Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese, parishes began using the new English version of the Lord’s Prayer in February.

Manila archdiocese started implementing the changes last June, gradually introducing responses, acclamations and musical settings of the Mass.

A series of seminars were also held for the clergy to familiarize them with the new translation of the Roman Missal, the book that contains prayers and instructions for the liturgical celebration.

Help UCA News to be independent

Dear reader,

November begins with the Feast of All Saints. That month will mark the beginning of a new UCA News series, Saints of the New Millenium, that will profile some of Asia’s saints, “ordinary” people who try to live faithfully amid the demands of life in our time.

Perhaps the closest they will ever come to fame will be in your reading about them in UCA News. But they are saints for today. Let their example challenge and encourage you to live your own sainthood.

Your contribution will help us present more such features and make a difference in society by being independent and objective.

A small donation of US$5 a month would make a big difference in our quest to achieve our goals.