The New and Eternal Word

When we begin the new Church Year with the First Sunday of Advent, some of the words we use at Mass will change. And words are very important.

While the truths of our Faith are ageless, the liturgical books continually evolve to serve us at prayer. Latin is the preferred language, not only of the Church but also in scholarship, politics, philosophy, science and the arts. The Second Vatican Council maintained the Church’s preference for Latin but also allowed for a “more extended use of the vernacular,” or common language of the people, to be used.

Over the years since the Council, our use of English at Mass has helped us to pray with more understanding and to deepen the spiritual connections between the liturgy and everyday life. But still, how we speak to God must show our profound reverence for the One who made us and saves us. How we speak of God should reflect that reverence and be given greater care than the more casual way we communicate with others. Hence the call for a more literal translation of the words we use when we pray as the Church.

Hosted by Mosignor James Moroney, New and Eternal Word will explain the new changes to the Missal. It premieres October 3rd.