Priest who use the words "For Many" instead of "For All?"

[David_B]

I had heard a few years ago of some priests who decided to change the words of the institution in the Novus Ordo Mass to better correspond with the words of the Latin, specifically changing the words of the Consecration of the Blood to

** This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for many so that sins may be forgiven.**

I suppose it would correspond more closely to the Latin original of pro multis, but is this a little extreme to take changing the words of the liturgy into one’s own hand?

 

[mercygate]

David B:

I had heard a few years ago of some priests who decided to change the words of the institution in the Novus Ordo Mass to better correspond with the words of the Latin, specifically changing the words of the Consecration of the Blood to

This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for many so that sins may be forgiven.

I suppose it would correspond more closely to the Latin original of pro multis, but is this a little extreme to take changing the words of the liturgy into one’s own hand?

At risk of having to duck a flight of rotten tomatoes, I would say that since the official language of the liturgy is Latin, and the Latin text says “pro multis,” this falls outside the “abuse” category, especially in light of the forthcoming translation which restores the language to “for many.”

It is not as if the celebrant is introducing a novelty of his own invention; he is simply adjusting a poor translation to one that is more accurate.

I wouldn’t do it if I were a priest (but I would be sorely tempted).

 

[JimG]

If and when a new approved official translation comes out, then he should use the approved translation. But no priest should be substituting his own translation for what is in the sacramentary.

 

[Ray_Scheel]

I agree that its not appropriate for a priest ot take changing a translation into his own hands, though reluctantly in this particular circumstance.

That being said, is there anything in the rubrics which would prohibit a priest from switching to Latin just for the words of institution?

 

[mercygate]

Ray_Scheel:

I agree that its not appropriate for a priest ot take changing a translation into his own hands, though reluctantly in this particular circumstance.

That being said, is there anything in the rubrics which would prohibit a priest from switching to Latin just for the words of institution?

This is a guess, but my guess is that nothing prohibits it. When I was down at EWTN (I don’t have cable, so I don’t know if this happens all the time), Latin was introduced all over the place during the Mass. Latin is the official language of the Mass; you don’t need an indult to offer the Mass of Paul VI in Latin. I suppose you would say the entire canon in Latin, though, not just the words of institution. Again, I wouldn’t mess with this if I were a priest. Too confusing for the people.