Revision of ritual for dedicating altar, other liturgy items approved

BALTIMORE — With little discussion except over a handful of minor amendments, the U.S. bishops accepted four liturgical items Nov. 11 during their annual fall general assembly in Baltimore.

The items approved included:

  • A revised English translation of the ritual book “Dedication of a Church and Altar,” used whenever a new church is built or when a new altar is made. The revised English translation incorporates the modifications from the Code of Canon Law as well as bringing the translation into conformity with the Roman Missal, Third Edition. It was approved by a vote of 168-6, with three abstentions, just one vote more than the 167 required for passage by two-thirds of the Latin rite bishops.
  • The first official English translation of the ritual book “Exorcisms and Related Supplications,” revised after the Second Vatican Council, and promulgated in Latin in 1999 with an amended version in 2004. The main part of this book is the rite of major exorcism and includes an introduction outlining criteria for its use, which is always the decision of the bishop alone. While this text affirms the reality of evil in the world, it even more affirms the sovereignty of Jesus to overcome any and all evil. It passed by a vote of 179-5, and two abstentions, well over the 167 needed.
  • A supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours of an English translation of the prayers used for the feast days of saints who have been added to the general calendar since 1984. It passed by a vote of 210-2.
  • Modifications to the Revised Grail Psalter, originally approved in 2010 by the Vatican. The USCCB Committee on Divine Worship recommended improving the translation and its “sprung rhythm” to make proclamation and singing easier. It passed with 167 votes in favor, 34 votes against and two abstentions.

A fifth liturgy-related item also approved will authorize updating and revising for later approval the 1995 document “Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities” in light of medical developments and increased awareness of challenges faced by Catholics today, such as gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease. The vote was 207-1, with a single abstention.

 

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