Wednesday Liturgy: Follow-up: Translating "Pro Multis"

ROME, JUNE 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.

In the wake of our comments on the translation of "pro multis" (May 24), a reader commented: "Regarding your comment about 'the art of translation' and the upcoming changes to the missal, as a person who has been called upon to translate texts into and from English, Japanese, French and Spanish, I understand what a challenge it is. If I may be so bold, for 'pro multis' I might like to suggest 'for the many,' as it speaks more theologically to Jesus' message and experience, as well as the mission of the apostles, to offer the call of salvation beyond just the Jewish nation. Don't you agree?"

It is too late now to change the approved missal, but it is worth pointing out that "for the many" was one of the possibilities suggested by the Holy See as a legitimate translation of "pro multis." In the end the bishops' conferences opted for the simpler "for many," which is perhaps easier to understand and more familiar.

In explaining the new version a priest would still be able to expound the different legitimate translation possibilities and how each one adds a shade of meaning to the Eucharistic mystery.

Another reader wrote: "Permit me to reference to 'Jesus of Nazareth,' Volume 2, by His Holiness. He goes into quite some detail on this starting at Page 134."

I think this adds another good reason to read the Holy Father's latest book.