An error in translation perhaps?

Fr. Z.'s site has been up and down all day, I'm sure its a matter of exceeding bandwidth. I have it open now so I can comment on some info with the translation from Latin to English. Apparently, the English translator took the liberty to change the words:

Latin: exceptis lectionibus, homilia et oratione fidelium, aequum est ut huiusmodi celebrationes fiant lingua Latina.

(which "aequum est" translated mean "it is reasonable, proper, right")

Now here is the translators translation to English:

English: with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, such liturgies could be celebrated in Latin.


Hmm. Me thinks someone was trying to kick out of importance a very strong statement from this exhortation.

Proper credit must be given to Fr. John Zuhlsdorf and his commenter for catching this bad translation. Hopefully his blog will be back up soon. He is truly a wise and holy man.

Liturgical Music. Excerpt from Sacramentum Caritatis

Found in the new exhortation:

Liturgical song

42. In the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. (126) Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that "the new man sings a new song. Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love" (127). The People of God assembled for the liturgy sings the praises of God. In the course of her two-thousand-year history, the Church has created, and still creates, music and songs which represent a rich patrimony of faith and love. This heritage must not be lost. Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration (128). Consequently everything – texts, music, execution – ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons (129). Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed (130) as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy (131).

I have made bold that which I feel is especially noteworthy. The question is, who will employ its contents into the typical American parish?

SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS Released!

I am still in the process of reading this myself but am happy to see it is out and in English. You can read it here:

POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS

I will comment more when I have read through it. I do, however, think the clergy will have the best take on its contents.

Sacramentum Caritatis!

There are reports throughout Catholic blogdom of next Tuesday being the release of this document from the 2005 synod. AVVISO DI CONFERENZA STAMPA, Apostolic Exhortation (Sacramentum Caritatis) to be released one week from today and here, Papal document on Eucharist due March 13 . So much speculation as to what this may contain and many are hopeful it has some way of wrangling in the abuse laden Mass, I would be happy with anything at this point. Feeling much of a nomadic Catholic life, it has to contain something refreshing. The mere length of time taken after the synod to release this document should speak of its contents and value. I have been seeing such wonderful signs of return to tradition lately(from Rome esp).