Wednesday Liturgy: Follow-up: Spanish Translations for U.S.

ROME, JAN. 18, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.

Related to our comments on which Spanish translations may be used in the United States (see Dec. 21), several readers had asked if bilingual Masses were permitted and in what circumstances.

We had dealt with this subject on July 12, 2005, and would basically confirm what we wrote on that occasion.

We would only add that there might be more occasions justifying bilingual Masses than those mentioned. For example, a regular bilingual Mass might be possible in places where the scarcity of clergy allows for only one Mass in a community that is more or less equally divided between speakers of two languages.

The bishop, as moderator of the liturgy for the diocese, should be asked before scheduling such a regular celebration. If necessary, he may also issue norms for his diocese regarding this topic.

It is also worthwhile recalling that Latin may always be used in whole or in part. It may be very useful in uniting a community in singing the common parts such as the Gloria, Sanctus, Pater, Agnus Dei and even some of the responses and acclamations.