Father Bryan P. Babick

The revised translation of the Institution Narrative employs the word chalice instead of cup. As a humble carpenter it seems logical to believe that Jesus would have used a cup to celebrate the Passover meal.Since […]

The Institution Narrative of the Eucharistic prayer is the part that uses the words of Jesus in which He says, “this is My Body,” and “this is My Blood.” It is called the “Institution Narrative” […]

After the Sanctus comes the Eucharistic Prayer. It has traditionally been called the “canon” of the Mass, meaning norm or rule. Its core structure and elements provide an excellent model for personal prayer. Each Eucharistic […]

The Sanctus, or “Holy, Holy, Holy,” helps us distinguish something important about our faith in God. Here all sing the hymn that Scripture reveals is the song of heaven. Everyone in heaven and those who […]

The new translation of the Mass will express the connection between the Liturgy in heaven and our celebration on earth. This will be seen clearly in the Preface, which is the part of the Mass […]

Before the priest invites all to “pray … that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God,” all stand as a reminder that the sacrifice is offered both by priest and people alike. The […]

One difference in the forthcoming revised translation will be to the invitation the priest offers in asking all to pray that the sacrifice be acceptable to God.Currently the priest asks to pray that, “our sacrifice […]

After the Creed of the Mass, various petitions are offered. St. Justin Martyr attests to this established custom in 155 A.D.  In his first apology, or defense, St. Justin writes to the pagan emperor to […]

The Creed of the Mass is highly Biblical. It may be divided into separate sections that each declare truths about the persons of the Trinity and the church.The first section is about the Father and […]

Editor’s Note: On the first Sunday of Advent 2011, Catholics will use a new translation of the Roman Missal. This column explains some of those changes. The first major change to the Nicene Creed in […]