WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 30, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican has given its approval to the proposed U.S. version of the new edition of the Roman Missal.

The U.S. bishops reported today that the approval came in a letter dated March 25 from Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

A series of adaptations and proper texts for U.S. dioceses was also approved.

Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago and president of the U.S. episcopal conference, received the approval personally.

The cardinal was in Rome to attend meetings of the Vox Clara Committee, which has advised the Curia on English-language translations. Cardinal George is a member of the committee, which was addressed by the Pontiff on Wednesday.

Benedict XVI that day expressed his hope that the change in translation will serve "as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world."

Ongoing renewal

A statement from the U.S. bishops clarified that the complete text of the Roman Missal is still being edited by Vatican officials, but is expected later this spring, when it will be prepared for publication.

It now falls to the U.S. bishops to decide when to implement the new translation in parishes.

Bishop Arthur Serratelli, chair of the Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, voiced gratitude for the approval.
           
“I am happy that after years of study and review, the Congregation for Divine Worship has concluded its work and provided us with a text that will enable the ongoing renewal of the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy in our parishes,” he said.

Work is already in progress to prepare the priests and faithful for the changes, affirmed Monsignor Anthony Sherman, director of the bishops' Secretariat for Divine Worship.

But he proposed that "a full–scale implementation of catechesis for the new missal should be taking place in the parishes, so that when the time comes, everyone will be ready.”

Currently the Office of Divine Worship is leading a series of workshops for clergy and diocesan leaders as a first step in preparation for the changes. They also have a Web site to provide up-to-date information.

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On the Net:

Missal information: www.USCCB.org/romanmissal

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