New missal used at ICEL conference

The new translation of the Order of Mass was used at the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) conference held in Waitangi recently.

Over 10 bishops attended the conference, 10-15 January, representing England, Scotland, Canada, America, South Africa, India, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.

Four New Zealand bishops were present, including Executive Secretary of ICEL Bishop Denis Browne of Hamilton; Archbishop John Dew (Wellington) and Bishops Barry Jones (Christchurch) and Colin Campbell (Dunedin).

During the conference ‘One Body One Spirit in Christ’ - the international catechesis for the new missal - was presented to bishops for the first time.

There are additions to be made to the catechesis, which is expected to be available by April 2010.

Fr Trevor Murray, Director of the National Liturgy Office of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, says the bishops were impressed by the catechesis.

“They liked the comprehensive nature of the catechesis and the user-friendliness of the technology used.”

Fr Murray says there was a “great spirit” among the bishops and the conference was a “tremendous success”.

“A personal highlight was praying the new text of the Order of Mass. Having been familiar with the new texts for so long, actually using it in prayer was a very moving experience”.