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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

The New Translation of the Roman Missal

Jeff Ostrowski · February 23, 2013

ORE THAN a billion people currently belong to the Catholic Church. A considerable number of those people speak (or read) English. When the new English translation was introduced, I had expected a tremendous outcry. Why? Because translations, by their very nature, are usually something about which nobody is happy. There’s an old expression: The translator is a traitor.

However, the new translation of the Roman Missal has been around for more than a year, and I have yet to read a single serious article or paper calling for a return to the old translation. I have yet to encounter a single serious Catholic priest or bishop who does not admit that the Roman Missal, Third Edition is a vast improvement. Nor have I seen any serious article making the case that the old translation was more accurate than the current one.

Before going further, let us remind ourselves what the “old ICEL” translation was like. One good way to do this would be to read the following 1990 article by Msgr. Schuler:

          *  Article by Msgr. Richard J. Schuler about the “old” ICEL translation [pdf].

As alluded to above, translations are similar to hymns: everybody always has something to say about them. Everyone always has an opinion. Everybody always wants to toss in his “two cents.” The fact that not one serious person has, for instance, drawn up a chart attempting to show that the old ICEL translation was more accurate than the new astounds me.

What do I, personally, think of the new translation? I think it is a vast improvement and makes a tremendous difference because it is so much more accurate than the previous ICEL translation. For instance, look at the old ICEL version of the “Exsultet” and compare it to the original Latin. It was a travesty and an embarrassment.

I do feel that the new translation is not as beautiful as it might have been. For instance, it pales in comparison to many of the translations used before the Council. ICEL would have been able to produce a much more beautiful translation if they had taken the time to carefully consult the old daily missals (“hand missals”) like the St. Joseph Daily Missal, Fr. Lasance’s Missal, and so forth. Furthermore, some of the “politically correct” phrases sound like nails scratching on a chalk board to my ears. “And peace on earth to people of good will” comes to mind.

Having read numerous articles like the one written by Msgr. Schuler, I can only guess that the almost total lack of serious criticism of the new translation can only be attributed to the unbelievable depravity of the previous ICEL translation (created, I believe, around 1969). As many people have commented over the years, the previous translation (in many instances) was unworthy of any self-respecting first year Latin student. I should add: one of the reasons that the new translation was so much more accurate is that, a few years ago, the Holy Father completely reformed ICEL.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

Legitimate and necessary concern for current realities in the concrete lives of people cannot make us forget the true nature of the liturgical actions. It is clear that the Mass is not the time to “celebrate” human dignity or purely terrestrial claims or hopes. It is rather the sacrifice which renders Christ really present in the sacrament.

— Pope Saint John Paul II (20 March 1990)

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  • New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”

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