“Central authority of the Church far removed from the spirit of Vatican II”

The Irish Dominicans publish the fine journal Spirituality – more info here. With kind permission of editor Fr. Tom Jordan, OP, we reprint his editorial on the forthcoming missal. I’m pretty sure that the “prominent theologian in Ireland” is Fr. D. Vincent Twomey, SVD, former doctoral student of Joseph Ratzinger. Meanwhile, the Irish publisher Veritas has a pre-publication offer for the missal – implementation appears to be going forward.  – awr

It is difficult to avoid a sense of disappointment over the decision to introduce the new English translation of the Roman Missal later this year. Disappointment stems from several sources: the failure to accept the recommendations made by English-speaking bishops, the out-of-hand dismissal of years of work by ICEL (International Commission on English in the Liturgy), the hijacking by a small and unnamed group at top level who apparently were given a free hand to produce the final text that is to be imposed later this year. The proposed text has been found wanting by many people experienced in the work of translation as well as by those qualified in liturgy, scripture, theology, history etc. Instead of providing an opportunity for deepening a sense of unity in the Church, the new translation is more likely to cause dissension. This particular exercise of power by the central authority of the Church seems far removed from the spirit of Vatican II; it leaves a lot to be desired. A feeling of sadness is inescapable. When will we ever learn?

The argument advanced by a prominent theologian in Ireland that liturgical language is ‘of its nature, archaic, elitist and obscure’ brings one near to despair. Can anyone possibly imagine Jesus using such language speaking to, or of, his Father, and particularly at the Last Supper? Is it too late to ask the Irish bishops to insist on an improved text, and to wait until such is produced? The People of God expect, and deserve, no less.

Fr. Tom Jordan, OP
Editor, Spirituality

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10 responses to ““Central authority of the Church far removed from the spirit of Vatican II””

  1. Joseph O'Leary

    Disappointment is a real understatement: I predict that reaction to this new trans when it is sprung on the unsuspecting faithful will be far more intense than that. We could see ecclesial seism, tsunami, meltdown…

    Reply
  2. Tom Poelker

    “The proposed [CDW} text has been found wanting by many people experienced in the work of translation as well as by those qualified in liturgy, scripture, theology, history etc. … This particular exercise of power by the central authority of the Church seems far removed from the spirit of Vatican II; it leaves a lot to be desired.”

    This is a nearly perfect example of confusing two meanings of authority.

    CDW has chosen to ignore the kind of authority which comes from expertise.
    CDW has used the kind of authority which comes from jurisdiction to impose a defective translation.

    The Roman Curia has manipulated the rules for translation on its own jurisdiction, manipulated the re-staffing of ICEL through its influence, packed the national conferences of bishops with its own choices, yet it still could not get the sort of translation it wanted from the system it established.

    This is the same basic pattern as with the papal commission on contraception and the pontifical biblical commission on ordaining women. They control the process, select their own experts, then reject the experts and make a subjective decision to be imposed by regulation, condemnation of legitimate disagreements, career threats, and other pressures and penalties.

    This undermines the very authority which the magisterium deserves by placing personal preferences above consultation, expertise, collegiality, and the felt needs of the faithful. This is malfeasance, misfeasance, treachery, a sinful abuse of office for personal ends.

    The only explanation is hubris, overweening pride, a near total lack of humility.

    Why do the bishops put up with this?

    I hope for ordinaries and national conferences to point out the damage done to the respect people ought to have for authority by this behavior. Why have we not already seen dozens of retired bishops complaining about the egoists in the Roman Curia?

    Reply
    1. Bill deHaas

      Tom – to your point about “CDW confusing two meanings of authority”. From a review of Ladislas Orsy, SJ’s recent book, “Receiving the Council”:

      http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=11940

      Quote: “He scrutinizes the 1983 Code of Canon Law’s equation of the power of governance with jurisdiction, which he characterizes as an innovation with little or no justification in the tradition. Because this change in canon law is a merely disciplinary action, it can be changed, he argues, and he seems to think it should be changed. It was not the practice of the church in the past and it precludes, among other important issues, any serious role for laypeople in church leadership.”

      Reply
  3. Todd Flowerday

    “Why do the bishops put up with this?”

    Because it doesn’t affect their supply of cigars, brandy, and 60 Minutes media opportunities.

    Sadly, the bishops don’t comprehend the damage done to their authority by Cardinals Law and Rigali. If they can’t be trusted with important matters like the safety of children, why would we expect them to get the arcane correct?

    Reply
    1. John Nguyen

      because bishops are appointed by Rome and not elected by the people.

      Last night, watching the documentary on “the Rise and Fall of the Spartans” on the history channel, I couldn’t help but to see the parallels between what happened to the Spartans and what are happening to the Church. May be we just have to wait until the house collapses so we can rebuild a new one.

      Sad. Sad. Sad.

      Reply
  4. Cody Serra

    I think that Pope John XXIII maybe looking down from heaven with disbelief. God’s plan for his church are only known to Him, but certainly the unquiet times we are living in, make our journey very difficult. It saddens me greatly to see the discredit suffered by our Church by the exercise of authoritarian hierarchical authority. It is unhealthy that the “Head” functions in total disregard of its members’ wellbeing. No body can sustain life for long when its members are ignored, and treated like toys without mind and spirit. These “toys” have been given life and the Spirit in Baptism. We are together one Body in Christ. The missal translation is just another example of pastoral failure.
    .

    Reply
  5. Tom Poelker

    Bill deHaas :
    Tom – to your point about “CDW confusing two meanings of authority”. From a review of Ladislas Orsy, SJ’s recent book, “Receiving the Council”:
    http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=11940
    Quote: “He scrutinizes the 1983 Code of Canon Law’s equation of the power of governance with jurisdiction, … it precludes, among other important issues, any serious role for laypeople in church leadership.”

    Thank you for the reference.
    It is not quite the same thing but certainly was worth the read and worth saving.

    Reply
  6. Tom Poelker

    John Nguyen :

    because bishops are appointed by Rome and not elected by the people.

    Why don’t more of the retired bishops, at least, speak up about the curial power grabs?

    Do none of our bishops care enough and have the courage to oppose this over-centralization, the removal of power from their own areas of influence?

    Do the bishops in general think that each of them has a real opportunity to join the curial clique?

    Reply
  7. Michael Cassidy

    It is heartening to see the Dominicans (finally) getting involved in this important issue. Paul Philibert was first out of the gate, I believe; and now Tom Jordan.

    On the other hand, it is quite disheartening to see an ad on this same page for the Third Edition of the Roman Missal “available at Liturgical Press”. Would that the Benedictines at the very heart of the liturgical movement in the US had passed on this opportunity to make money. However, “gilded pages” are available. Maybe no one will order any.

    Reply
  8. Fr John Robinson (R.C.)

    I share many concerns about the New Translation of the Missal, but especially the utter disregard for the wonderful work of ICEL over 15 – 16 years; also the utter lack of collegiality in our Church, and turning from Vatican 2; and the disrespect for those who have laboured with Love for the People of God in this matter at the very heart of our Faith. I recommend to all the Book by Bishop Emeritus Maurice Taylor formerly of ICEL on how this has all come about. Also the message from Fr Mike Fallon of Edinburgh which as it were summarises the disaster that is to fall upon us. Thank you for reading!

    Reply

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