OW OLD are the English translations found in Extraordinary Form missals? Consider books currently being sold, such as the Campion Hymnal, which uses the Fr. Lasance translation. Or consider the famous “red books” popular in the 1990s. Or go back further, to the 1806 Roman Missal for Use by Laity (Fr. Husenbeth), which underwent numerous editions. Most of them use the same basic translation of the ORDO MISSAE—but how old is it?
I have previously mentioned that, in addition to the many contemporary texts composed specifically for the forthcoming Brébeuf hymnal, we also plan to include a few historic translations. Our research recently revealed a fascinating ORDO MISSAE in Latin & English from the year 1687:
* * PDF Download • ORDO MISSAE (Latin & English) … from 1687AD
Here are some excerpts, showing a breathtaking similarity to the English translation most “Latin Mass” Catholics have memorized:
It’s the same one I know—almost verbatim!
I also enjoyed looking at the prayers they included to help the congregation achieve deeper devotion. Some excerpts:
In the full PDF file (above) you’ll find interesting items such as:
A Prayer Before Confession
Prayer Before Receiving the Blessed Sacrament
Short Prayers during the Time of Mass
Necessary for the Better Understanding Thereof
