Western Catholics are preparing for the largest translation to their mass texts starting Nov. 27, the first Sunday of the season of Advent USA Today reports.
The idea is to unify the more than 1 billion Catholics worldwide, so every prayer in the Mass is undergoing some renovation to revive the original Latin version. This is the biggest change since the 1960s reports the Star Tribune.
According to USA today, many oppose the changes as it restricts variety in the interpretation of the texts, as much of the debate is over whether the changes ordered by the Vatican are good or bad.
Advocates think the new sacred vernacular is not only a more exact reflection of the original Latin, USA today reports, but is also more poetic and humble in references and allusions to the Bible.
The Star Tribune reports that modern and younger Catholics say the new translation is awkward, less conversational and can potentially distance people from the church
"We have to keep in mind these are prayer texts being used by priests at a mass," Erie, Pa., Bishop Donald Trautman said in the Star Tribune. "People should be able to understand them when they are heard."
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