New form of Mass delayed until Lent

BY A STAFF REPORTER
THE new form of Mass, announced by Pope Paul on Maundy Thursday this year, is to be used in all churches in England and Wales from the first. Sunday in Lent, February 15.
Announcing this on Wednesday, the Bishops of England and Wales said that the first Sunday in Lent had been chosen so that there would be plenty of time to prepare, introduce and explain the new form (the Missa Normativa).
Originally it had been planned to introduce the reforms on the first Sunday in Advent but it is understood that difficulties over the translations prevented this.
English text approved
In their announcement the Bishops said that they had now approved the English text for the new form of Mass prepared by the International Committee for English in the Liturgy. Before it can be published, however, it must be approved by the Bishops' Conference of the other countries concerned. and then ratified by the Congregation for Divine Worship in Rome.
The bishops will be giving their clergy guidance on how and when the new order should be used in the interim period so that the shape and wording of the new Mass will he familiar to Catholics when it comes into daily use. "The use of Latin in celebrating the new Mass rite will be encouraged as it has been in the old," say the Bishops.
A few minor changes have been made in the translation of the Roman Canon in the light of experience and the words of consecration will be brought into line with those in the other three Eucharistic prayers and criticism of certain passages in the latter will he met when a revision of the three prayers i made. probably next year.
Far-reaching reform The new form of Mass represents the most far-reaching liturgical reform of the last 500 Years. The new canons are already in use in England and Wales. Catholics will notice the most difference in the first part of the ,--ass when the new form comes into use (1-1 February 15. PonPaul has made it clear that he regards the acceptance of the new form of as a test of loyalty. He has taken a deep interest in the reform of the Mass and is said to he "enthusiastic" about the new form.