EF holy water in English?

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Leon_Bloy

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I have been trying to find out if there is a definitive answer about this anyplace. Is is valid and/or licit for a priest to confect/bless holy water according to the old Rituale Romanum (with the exorcisms, salt, etc.) in any of the English translations, or must Latin be used only?

I am thinking that it’s pretty clear due to Summorum Pontificum (and even more clear with the clarification issued last year) that any priest can use the Roman Ritual blessings in force in 1962, but it would seem that would only be in Latin.

In 1964 the American bishops gave permission for priests to use English where it is given in the Collectio Rituum, and to the best of my knowledge there IS an approved English translation for the holy water blessing in there. But when the Book of Blessings was issued in 1984, didn’t the American bishops mandate its exclusive use for things like blessing holy water? So, it seems to me that one can either use the 1962 ritual in Latin, or the current Book of Blessings.

I know some priests who use the English version of 1962 anyway, but I want to know if it’s valid and/or licit.

Thanks!
 
This will be an interesting answer. I would guess that the language chosen might affect licety, but the words would still result in a valid blessing…?
 
I think that in the worst case the rite would still be valid because “Ecclesia suplet”. I think that in general a change of language does not change matter form or intent for a sacramental, for sure we know that it does not affect a sacrament.
 
Cristiano said:
I think that in the worst case the rite would still be valid because “Ecclesia suplet”. I think that in general a change of language does not change matter form or intent for a sacramental, for sure we know that it does not affect a sacrament.
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Ah, but has the language (and exact wording) been approved by the bishops’ conference and the Vatican? 🙂
 
Leon_Bloy said:
I have been trying to find out if there is a definitive answer about this anyplace. Is is valid and/or licit for a priest to confect/bless holy water according to the old Rituale Romanum (with the exorcisms, salt, etc.) in any of the English translations, or must Latin be used only?

I am thinking that it’s pretty clear due to Summorum Pontificum (and even more clear with the clarification issued last year) that any priest can use the Roman Ritual blessings in force in 1962, but it would seem that would only be in Latin.

In 1964 the American bishops gave permission for priests to use English where it is given in the Collectio Rituum, and to the best of my knowledge there IS an approved English translation for the holy water blessing in there. But when the Book of Blessings was issued in 1984, didn’t the American bishops mandate its exclusive use for things like blessing holy water? So, it seems to me that one can either use the 1962 ritual in Latin, or the current Book of Blessings.

I know some priests who use the English version of 1962 anyway, but I want to know if it’s valid and/or licit.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Its valid, I know priests who use the 1964 ritual in english.
 
Thanks, everybody, for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I know priests who use it, too - very good, holy priests - but here is the best answer I have ever found for those interested. He indicates that it is still not absolutely clear what the answer is, though. Maybe somebody out there still might know? I wonder if I could just ask my bishop if it’s OK!

ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur336.htm
 
Leon_Bloy said:
Thanks, everybody, for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I know priests who use it, too - very good, holy priests - but here is the best answer I have ever found for those interested. He indicates that it is still not absolutely clear what the answer is, though. Maybe somebody out there still might know? I wonder if I could just ask my bishop if it’s OK!

ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur336.htm
Click to expand...
Good source. I found this to be noteworthy:
This opens up an interesting question as to whether the papal initiative also permits the use of translations of the extraordinary form officially approved before the conciliar reform. Bilingual rites for some sacraments and sacramentals were already approved by Popes Pius XII and John XXIII and were in use before the Second Vatican Council.
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For us Anglophones, that means using both English and Latin in the rite.
 
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