Church introduces "longer" mass responses

CEBU, Philippines - The Catholic Church has introduced a new set of responses for masses which will be adopted this month.

Monsignor Esteban Binghay, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said Cebu parishes that conduct English masses have introduced another set of new and “longer” responses starting yesterday.

“They will have to adopt a new set of responses. They have to get used to it,” Binghay said.

Binghay said that apart from the Roman Missal, primers and leaflets are now available for the parishioners’ guide.

Starting the first week of June, the Cebu Archdiocese has been selling leaflets and 30-page booklets containing the old and the corresponding new responses, including an explanation on its implementation.

The Roman Missal, the book that contains all the prayers and responses for celebrating masses is also available.

Marco Vitor, a member of the Society of the Angel of Peace working under the Commission on Worship said the Roman Missal costs P2,005 each while the booklet costs P120 each.

These are available at the Daughters of Saint Paul office on Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City, SM City and at the Calungsod Shop beside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

While almost every parishioner immediately accepted the changes, Binghay said others have complained to him.

“Mangingon, ‘kalibog ani Monsignor oi.’ Ako lang sad ingnan maanad ra ta ana. Sauna bitaw naanad ra man ta og respond ‘And also be with you’ sa “The Lord be with you,” Binghay said. (They told me it’s confusing. I also told them, you will get used to it.)

The new changes being implemented are the Gloria, Sanctus and Memorial Acclamation.

The full implementation of all the changes in the Philippines will be in November during the first week of Advent.

The new translation was made so that words being used during mass would be as accurate a possible to the original Latin language of the mass, as required by the Vatican. — THE FREEMAN