Today, Pope Francis addressed members of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. The members were in Rome to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Commission.

The Holy Father began his address thanking the commission members for their work in the past 50 years which he called “one of the signs of the spirit of episcopal collegiality.”

“The present anniversary is an occasion for giving thanks for the work which the Commission has accomplished over the past fifty years in providing English translations of the texts of the liturgy, but also in advancing the study, understanding and appropriation of the Church’s rich sacramental and euchological tradition,” the Pope said.  

The commission’s work, he continued, contributed to the “conscious, active and devout participation” called for by the Second Vatican Council.

“The fruits of your labors have not only helped to form the prayer of countless Catholics, but have also contributed to the understanding of the faith, the exercise of the common priesthood and the renewal of the Church’s missionary outreach, all themes central to the teaching of the Council,” the Holy Father said.

Citing the words of Blessed John Paul II, Pope Francis stated that the message of Vatican II was perceived by many people through the reform of the liturgy. The Holy Father also told the members that in assisting the Catholic faithful in praying in a common language, their work aided in fostering the Church’s unity through the world.

Concluding his address, the Holy Father again thanked those present and imparted his Apostolic Blessing.

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On ZENIT’s web page:

For the full text of the Holy Father’s address, go to: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-address-to-members-of-the-international-commission-on-english-in-the-liturgy