I have written many times in the print version of WDTPRS, that you WDTPRSers make a difference. The readers of the print version, made an impact on the preparation of the new translation of the Missal by writing the proper letters to the right people and through prayer.
Lately here on the blog I wrote about the bad translations official English version of the Holy Father’s post-Synodal Exhortation Sacramentum caritatis. Some of you responded well and in a timely manner. You made a difference.
One of the paragraphs I took special aim at was a par. 62, concerning Latin, which had some pretty bad errors, even when compared to the other vernacular versions. Among other things I wrote:
Moreover, the texts they are working with were those released at the time of the presentation of the document, even though the LATIN is itself revised before publication in is final official form in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis. But no one goes back to revise the vernacular versions in keeping with the changes in the Latin
Lot’s of people are misquoting documents because the vernacular docs themselves were never updated.
The Latin: exceptis lectionibus, homilia et oratione fidelium, aequum est ut huiusmodi celebrationes fiant lingua Latina.
In Latin, the phrase aequum est means "it is reasonable, proper, right". It can be rendered as "it is becoming", to use a somewhat archaic turn of phrase.
The OLD official English: with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, such liturgies could be celebrated in Latin.
The NEW official English: with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, it is fitting that such liturgies be celebrated in Latin.
This blog led the public charge in this matter of the accuracy of the translation into English, but I can assure you that the problems were not missed here in Rome. I had more than one conversation with "interested parties".
The other language versions are being scrutinized now as well.
Exivit a sacculo felis.*
Do not, however, rest even for a moment.
Keep working.
I have another entry where you may post what you think are problems.
ALERT: An exhortation TO ARMS!!
*Not to be confused with Exivit ab aedibus Elvis.
