The Fundamental Criterion of Liturgical Translation: Valde Utilis Apud Populum

Mario Tomi Subardjo

doi:10.24071/jt.v8i1.1748

Abstract

Liturgiam Authenticam , the instruction on the use of vernacular languages in the publication of the books of the Roman liturgy, claims to be faithful to the intentions of the liturgical reform of Vatican II, especially to the intention of Sacrosanctum Concilium 36. From the time of the publication of Liturgiam Authenticam, the debates on the liturgical translation have become tangled in the argument of authority or procedural collaboration between Rome and the Bishops’ Conference. The publication of the Apostolic Letter Magnum Principium in 2017 has solved this legal problem. This paper argues that the problem of implementing faithfully the intentions of the liturgical reform of the Vatican II regarding the use of vernacular in the liturgy cannot be simplified by implementing only the correct idea of collaboration between the authorities involved in the work of translation. Further, implementation of the correct understanding of the function of language in the work of liturgical translation is a serious challenge. For this reason, there are some important points to consider regarding Liturgiam Authenticam after the publication of Magnum Principium .

Highlights

Pope Francis issued the Motu Proprio Magnum Principium, on the modification of canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, on September 3, 2017
This paper argues that the problem of implementing faithfully the intentions of the liturgical reform of the Vatican II regarding the use of vernacular in the liturgy cannot be simplified by implementing only the correct idea of collaboration between the authorities involved in the work of translation
We can say that this modification solves the legal problem regarding the correct implementation of Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC) 36, but, as we know, the problem of liturgical translation is more than merely a problem of procedural collaboration

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Pope Francis issued the Motu Proprio Magnum Principium, on the modification of canon 838 of the Code of Canon Law, on September 3, 2017. One of the most signi ficant changes is the modification of canon 838§3, which says: This modification makes clear the return to the procedure of preparing the liturgical translation which was intended by Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC) 36. It is the duty of the Episcopal Conferences to prepare, to adapt, and to approve the translation of the liturgical books. We can say that this modification solves the legal problem regarding the correct implementation of SC 36, but, as we know, the problem of liturgical translation is more than merely a problem of procedural collaboration. To implement fully SC 36, the present instruction on translation, Liturgiam Authenticam, should be corrected with regard to procedural matters and with regard to its understanding of the function of language and translation in the liturgy

ON THE VERNACULAR DURING THE COUNCIL

General Council proved

THE FUNDAMENTAL CRITERION

THE VERNACULAR AND TRANSLATION IN LITURGIAM AUTHENTICAM

CRITIQUES OF LITURGIAM AUTHENTICAM

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER