One of the great comforts being a Catholic while living overseas was that, with my Vatican II missals (Weekday and Sunday), I could always be assured of being well-prepared for the liturgy when attending Mass in a language other than my mother tongue. It also helped me gain some proficiency in the languages of the countries I was in, as alternatives to the standard Vatican II Mass readings were rare.
The same has not been true when I’ve been back in the United States. Alternatives to the regular texts are not uncommon, and even some of the simplified English in the new translations sound awkward as they strive to eliminate any kind of wording that might cause offense to our gentle listeners. I think it is more a cultural position where Americans prefer a literal and direct approach, while the Church in the United Kingldom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand — and wherever else English is used — choose a more literary and interpretive one.
Daniel Brosky
