variation in the words immediately following the words of Consecration
First and foremost, he doesn’t have the right to do so. Nor do we (you or I or any layman) have the right to change our responses during the Mass. “[N]o other person, even if he be a priest, may
add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.” (Vatican II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, article 22.3)
“Let us proclaim the mystery of our Faith” or “Let us proclaim the mystery of our own faithfulness.”
The Latin text is simply
mysterium fidei; that is, “the mystery of faith”. Traditionally, these words occurred
during the consecration of the chalice, where they were translated simply as “the mystery of faith”.
In the present translation of the Roman Missal (the 1985 English Sacramentary), the words are translated as “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.” No change may be made to those words.
The forthcoming translation of the Roman Missal (due in 2010 or 2011, I think) renders
mysterium fidei as “The mystery of faith”, nothing more, nothing less: no “let us proclaim”, no “this is”, nothing. Simply, “the mystery of faith”. It refers, ultimately, to the miraculous transubstantiation of the elements on the altar into the sacramental presence of our Lord.
The congregation responds in the prescribed manner to either form of Father’s words.
That’s good to hear that the priest’s “creativity” has not produced disobedience to the received liturgy in the faithful. But it might eventually lead to that.
I intend to approach Father (a Monsignor) about this but first I wanted to make sure I’m not in left field.
(What’s the difference between a priest and a monsignor? Nothing… but don’t tell that to the monsignor!)
Please keep Ephesians 4:15 and 1 Peter 3:15 in mind when you speak to the priest about this: “speak the truth in love”, “do it with gentleness and reverence”. Don’t attack him over the issue, but address your confusion at the changes you sometimes hear, and ask what the Sacramentary/Missal prescribes the priest to say.
If he suggests that he (or priests in general) have permission to change the words of the Mass at will, ask if the laity have that same permission…
