Seventy-seven or Seventy times seven?

A couple of weeks ago, Fr. Z had a blog entry on August 17th’s Gospel from Matthew. This sparked a question about the translation of the text from Matthew 18:21-22,

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, 'Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus Answered, 'I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.'

(current, as of this posting, New American Bible translation)

The question arose regarding the specific number of times Jesus tells us we must forgive.

This is the first time I have noticed the number seventy-seven in this passage (Mt 18:22). I always remembered it as seventy times seven, or 490. Vulgate old and new has septuagies septies, Douay and King James have 70 times 7, old spanish Reina/Valera has 70*7. On the other hand, NAB, Jerusalem, and a recent spanish version all have 77. What happened here?

Is it seventy-seven times? Or is it seventy times seven, ie 490? The questioner is obviously not asking so he can legalistically know exactly how many times he should forgive someone, but he is asking from the standpoint of what is a more accurate translation, basically, is it 77 or 490?

I gave a quick but not so simple answer that it appears to be 77. However, I was later asked if there is anything authoritative said on it. Given the confusion in translations and how skeptical I am of many current translations, I certainly would like to know something more official myself. I have certainly seen my share of watered down and misleading translations (especially in "official" ones), so I want to find the truth.

First, let's look at the Latin. (I would look at the Greek, but I have very limited knowledge of that, and I don't know what the Greek says in my Greek/Latin New Testament.) I looked in my Neo-Vulgate (which is the current "official" Latin translation of the Bible for the Catholic Church), I looked in my Vulgate which is a "Iuxta Vulgatam Versionem" most recently reprinted in 1994, and I looked in my old "Iuxta Vulgate" I have from 1884. Thankfully in all of them, the Latin is the same:

"Dicit illi Iesus, "Non dico tibi usque septies sed usque septuagies septies."

(Jesus said to him, "I say to you not until seven times but until _____")
This is translated as follows:
(Current and "official") New American Bible: "seventy-seven times"
(previous translation of the) New American Bible: "seventy times seven times"
Douay-Rheims Version: "seventy times seven"
The Jerusalem Bible: "seventy-seven times"
The King James Bible: "seventy times seven"
Catholic RSV: "seventy times seven" (with a footnote that other sources say "seventy-seven times")

So what does "septuagies septies" mean?
"Septuagies" means (to do something) "seventy times"
"Septies" means (to do something)"seven times"
Literally, it would say "seventy times seven times."
However, the first "times" is not a verb of multiplication, but rather a part of the first Latin word "septuagies." So, I don't think the translation should be multiplicative. Another way of saying it would be: "I say to you not seven times but seventy times and seven times."
Or visually, by putting each word in parentheses, it could be seen as:
"(I say)=dico (to you)=tibi (not)=non (until)=usque (seven times)=septies (but)=sed (until)=usque (seventy times)=septuagies (seven times)=septies."
So from a linguistic standpoint, I would argue it is additive and thus seventy-seven times.

But what authoritative interpretation is there? I decided to look at my "Catena Aurea" which is a collection of Church Fathers' commentaries on the Gospels compiled by Saint Thomas Aquinas. Here's what they say:

Saint Augustine:

I am bold to say, that if he shall sin seventy-eight times, though shouldst forgive him; yea, and if a hundred; and how oft soever he sin against thee, forgive him. For if Christ found a thousand sins, yet forgave them all, do not you withdraw your forgiveness. For the Apostle says, 'Forgiving one another, if any man hath a quarrel against any, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Conclusion: Saint Augustine - 77, yet there should be no limit to our forgiveness of others.

Saint John Chrysostom:

When He says, 'usque septuagies septies,' He does not limit a definite number within which forgiveness must be kept; but He signifies thereby something endless and ever enduring.

Conclusion: Saint John Chrysostom - doesn't specify, it just means no limit to the number of times you forgive.

Saint Augustine again:

Yet not without reason did the Lord say, 'septuagies septies'; for the Law is set forth in ten precepts; and the Law is signified by the number ten, sin by eleven, because it is passing the denary line. Seven is used to be put for a whole, because time goes round in seven days. Take eleven seven times, and you have seventy. He would therefore have all trespasses forgiven, for this is what He signifies by the number seventy-seven.

Conclusion: Saint Augustine - 77, yet there should be no limit to our forgiveness of others.

Origen:

Or, because the number six seems to denote toil and labor, and the number seven repose, He says that forgiveness should be given to all brethren who live in this world, and sin in the things of this world. But if any commit transgressions beyond those things, he shall then have no further forgiveness.

Conclusion: Origen - doesn't specify.

Saint Jerome:

Or understand it of four hundred and ninety times, that he bids us forgive our brother so oft.

Conclusion: Saint Jerome - 490.

Now you can see why translating can be so difficult. So much can be lost (or erroneously added) in translation. And, in my opinion, why we should stick with the original Latin when possible in our liturgies and why all Catholics should learn at least some Latin.

I guess you could translate it either way. Obviously the Church Fathers were more concerned with the spiritual meaning than a specific number. I guess I would interpret it as 77 from a linguistic point of view, but maybe there is some Latin structure for multiplcation of which I am unaware that would make it 490.

Either way, the bottom line is that we should always be ready to forgive our brethren and show them mercy because Christ has shown such great mercy to us.

Thanks to Joseph for prompting me to further look into this, and thanks to Fr. Z for planting the seed.

Liturgical Nightmares

I often have the chance to go to various Masses around the diocese. Today I went to Mass at my Alma Mater and must say it was rather disappointing. Strangely, I did not get angry, but I could only feel pity for the priest as he plodded through the Mass doing whatever he just felt was right.

The first sign it was going to be a penitential Mass (for me, not as a Mass) was when Father walked in wearing just his habit and his stole. I don't think his order has the permission to wear the habit in lieu of an alb, but I am not certain. I do know that he should have been wearing a chasuble though. I also thought his tennis shoes really didn't seem appropriate attire for celebrating Mass.

Then there was the "good afternoon" and a small homily (Mass still hasn't "started" yet). I really don't know what he babbled on about, but it was rather annoying. After a few minutes of talking, he finally started the Mass with the Sign of the Cross. Then he started making things up, "The Lord IS with you," followed by people either just saying "and also with you" in knee-jerk reaction or "um ... with you" as people were confused as to what he just said.

In the penitential rite, rather than being called to remember our sins, we were called to be thankful for our "church community" and the Apostle we celebrate today. The only mention of sin was, "Christ, you forgive all sinners, Christ have mercy." Then we had an odd intro to the Gloria.
He did have a new invitation to the usual "Let us pray." I have heard "we are praying in other places," but he went with "We pray." which I found rather odd and awkward (even for just making things up).

Thankfully, the homily wasn't heretical, but I had just heard the Gospel, so I really didn't need a summary of it again.

The liturgy of the Eucharist was a bit more awkward. I am not sure why they no longer use a chalice at this chapel, rather the priest just uses one of the Communion Cups (no chalice veil of course). He then proceeds to pour the water into the wine cruet, then pour the wine into the Communion Cups, then wash his hands, THEN offer the bread and wine AT THE SAME TIME, "Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation, through your goodness we have this bread and wine to offer ..."
The words of Consecration were thankfully unchanged, although several other parts of the Canon were.

He also ended every prayer with an odd thing about the name and power of Christ, but I can't remember what exactly.

Then, I actually had to stifle a laugh (thankfully I was sitting in the back). At the sign of peace, the priest suddenly looks like he has won a championship, holding his hand up and slowly turning to practically everyone in the room, raising his hands, waving, if you had had a crowd cheering it would have seemed appropriate. But in the context of a Mass it looked absolutely ridiculous, so I had to choke back my laughter and just shake my head.

Anyway, by the end, I found myself replying with vigor and fervor when he said "the Mass has ended, go in peace." THANKS BE TO GOD!

The last time I had to endure a Mass this odd was with some Franciscans in Saint Louis (everything was inclusive language and that was where I heard the "we are praying" line).

I do admit that I am liturgically spoiled, but shouldn't all Catholics be? Canon law says the faithful have a right to the Liturgy done properly.

All I can say is that at least I haven't had to experience this:
The Rocky Horror Creative Liturgy. (it's a farce, but, in all honesty, I know someone, somewhere would look at it and say to themselves, "this is a good idea!").


(This is the first picture that comes up if you do an image search on Google for "clown mass." Thankfully they are not Catholic.)

Let us pray that under Pope Benedict, the "reform of the reform" will come about quickly.

Comparison of Prayers - 21st Sunday Per Annum

Just a bit early, this week.

21st Sunday "Per Annum" (Ordinary Time)

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui fidélium mentes uníus éfficis voluntátis, da pópulis tuis id amáre quod praécipis, id desideráre quod promíttis, ut, inter mundánas varietátes, ibi nostra fixa sint corda, ubi vera sunt gáudia.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father, help us to seek the values that will bring us lasting joy in this changing world. In our desire for what you promise make us one in mind and heart.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who make the minds of the faithful to be of one will, grant to Your people to love that which You command, and to desire that which You promise, so that, amid the inconsistencies of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place, where there are true joys.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Qui una semel hóstia, Dómine, adoptiónis tibi pópulum acquisísti, unitátis et pacis in Ecclésia tua propítius nobis dona concédas.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Merciful God, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ made us your people. In your love, grant peace and unity to your Church.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
O Lord, You Who once for all acquired for Yourself a people of adoption by the one sacrificial Victim, may You graciously grant to us the gifts of unity and peace in Your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Plenum, quaésumus, Dómine, in nobis remédium tuæ miseratiónis operáre, ac tales nos esse pérfice propítius et sic fovéri, ut tibi in ómnibus placére valeámus.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may this eucharist increase within us the healing power of your love. May it guide and direct our efforts to please you in all things.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. We beseech You, O Lord, to work in us the plentiful remedy of Your compassion, and perfect us to be gracious and thus be encouraged, that we may be strengthened to please You in all things.
Through Christ our Lord.

Still alive.

I'm OK after my collision with a blue 15 passenger van.
(The Roman Sacristan was a pedestrian.)

:P

(Mom, it's just a joke!)

(click the link above for the "details")

Comparison of Prayers - 20th Sunday Per Annum

20th SUNDAY "PER ANNUM"
Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui diligentibus te bona invisibília præparásti, infúnde córdibus nostris tui amóris afféctum, ut, te in ómnibus et super ómnia diligéntes, promissiónes tuas, quæ omne desidérium súperant, consequámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, may we love you in all things and above all things and reach the joy you have prepared for us beyond all our imagining.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You have prepared unseen goods for those who love You, pour into our hearts the passion of Your love, so that, loving You in everything and above all things, we may attain to Your promises, which surpass all of our desires.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, Dómine, múnera nostra, quibus exercéntur commércia gloriósa, ut, offeréntes quæ dedísti teípsum mereámur accípere.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord, accept our sacrifice as a holy exchange of gifts. By offering what you have given us may we receive the gift of yourself.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Take up our sacrificial gifts, O Lord, through which these glorious exchanges are carried out, so that, while offering these gifts which You have given, we may be made worthy to receive You Yourself.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Per hæc sacraménta, Dómine, Christi partícipes effécti, cleméntiam tuam humíliter implorámus, ut, eius imáginis confórmes in terris, et eius consórtes in cælis fíeri mereámur.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, by this sacrament you make us one with Christ. By becoming more like him on earth, may we come to share his glory in heaven,
where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been made participants of Christ through these Sacraments, O Lord, we humbly implore Your merciful love, that, we may be worthy to be conformed into His image here on earth, and that in Heaven we may be made equal sharers with Him.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Comparison of Prayers - Assumption, Mass During the Day

Here are the prayers for the Mass on the Day of the Assumption.

The prayers for the Vigil Mass of the Assumption are here.

And the preface for the Assumption which is used at both Masses is here.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui immaculátam Vírginem Maríam, Fílii tui Genetrícem, córpore et ánima ad cæléstem glóriam assumpsísti, concéde, quaésumus, ut, ad supérna semper inténti, ipsíus glóriæ mereámur esse consórtes.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. All-powerful and ever-living God, you raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share in her glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, You Who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son, body and soul into heavenly glory, grant, we beseech You, that, always intent on higher things, we may merit to be sharers in her glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Ascéndat ad te, Dómine, nostræ devotiónis oblátio, et, beatíssima Vírgine María in cælum assúmpta intercedénte, corda nostra, caritátis igne succénsa, ad te iúgiter aspírent.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive this offering of our service. You raised the Virgin Mary to the glory of heaven. By her prayers, help us to seek you and to live in your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
May the offering of our devotion ascend to You, O Lord, and, through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who was assumed into Heaven, may our hearts, inflamed with the fire of love, continually long for You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sumptis, Dómine, salutáribus sacraméntis, da, quaésumus, ut, intercessióne beátæ Maríæ Vírginis in cælum assúmptæ, ad resurrectiónis glóriam perducámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may we who receive this sacrament of salvation be led to the glory of heaven by the prayers of the Virgin Mary.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having received the Sacrament of salvation, O Lord, grant, we humbly beseech You, that, through the merits and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was assumed into Heaven, we may be brought to the glory of the Resurrection.
Through Christ our Lord.

Wow, things really are looking up for I.C.E.L. translations

In my usual comparison of prayers, I will put the official Latin prayers, the 1973 I.C.E.L. translation which must be used in all English Masses here in the U.S. (I don't know about the other English speaking countries), and my own literal translation, following in the footsteps of and giving credit for the idea to Fr. Z over at WhatDoesThePrayerReallySay

Anyway, I forgot to look up the I.C.E.L. translation for the preface for the Assumption. Amazingly, I do not have it in my collection of ligurgical books at home (I lost my Novus Ordo Sunday Missal a few years ago, and never bothered getting a new one since the new Lectionary translations are so horrible IMHO).

I figured I could quickly find it on the web, but what I got was a rather suprising and extremely hopeful sign: ICEL's new draft of a translation for the Preface of the Assumption, which I found in a small article at adoremus.org. I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES! It was a well done translation of the preface. In fact it was more accurate than my try. So here is the comparison with the 2006 ICEL draft. (I'll put my original translation, which I now see I need to fix).

Preface used at the Vigil Mass and Day Mass for the Assumption

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Preface: De gloria Mariae Assumptae

Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salutáre, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Quóniam Virgo Deípara hódie in cælos assúmpta est, Ecclésiæ tuæ consummándæ inítium et imágo, ac pópulo peregrinánti certæ spei et solácii documéntum; corruptiónem enim sepúlcri eam vidére mérito noluísti, quæ Fílium tuum, vitæ omnis auctórem, ineffabíliter de se génuit incarnátum.

Et ídeo, choris angélicis sociáti, te laudámus, in gáudio confiténtes:

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus....


Draft 2006 I.C.E.L. Translation (unofficial and thus cannot be used at Mass ... yet? )
Preface: The Glory of Mary assumed into heaven

It is truly right and just,
our duty and salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.

Since today the Virgin Mother of God was assumed into heaven
as the beginning and pattern of your Church’s perfection
and a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people,
For justly you would not allow her
to see the corruption of the tomb,
because from her own flesh she brought forth ineffably
your incarnate Son, the author of all life.

And therefore in company with the choirs of Angels
we praise you, proclaiming with joy:

Holy, Holy, Holy...

(My) Literal Translation
Preface: Preface of the Glory of the Assumption of Mary
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.

Whereas the Virgin who gave birth to God, today was assumed into Heaven, she is the beginning and image of Your perfected Church, and also an example of fixed hope and consolation for a pilgrim people; for You rightly refused to see her corruption in the tomb, she who ineffably bore Your Son, the Author of all life, Who took flesh from her.

And so, united with the choirs of Angels, we praise You, confessing in joy:

Holy, Holy, Holy ...

This is the hard part about blogging, you put your ideas out there for everyone to see, and thus, when you mess up, everyone can see that too. LOL. Oh, well, my only claim was that my Latin can't be worse than the 1973 I.C.E.L. translations.
I think I see some errors in my translation (I didn't even get the preface title accuarately). However I am happy to see I.C.E.L. has a solid draft for the translation! I hope the other prayers are getting the same treatment. Keep those prayers up! DEO GRATIAS!)

Comparison of Prayers - Vigil Mass of the Assumption

Here are the prayers for the Vigil Mass of the Assumption.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui beátam Vírginem Maríam, eius humilitátem respíciens, ad hanc grátiam evexísti, ut Unigénitus tuus ex ipsa secúndum carnem nascerétur, et hodiérna die superexcellénti glória coronásti, eius nobis précibus concéde, ut, redemptiónis tuæ mystério salváti, a te exaltári mereámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty God, you gave a humble virgin the privilege of being the mother of your Son, and crowned her with the glory of heaven. May the prayers of the Virgin Mary bring us to the salvation of Christ and raise us up to eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, Who looking upon her humility, raised up the Blessed Virgin Mary to this grace, that Your only-Begotten Son was born from her according to the flesh, and on this very day, You crowned her with a most-excellent glory, grant to us by her prayers, that, we may obtain to be lifted up to You by the saving Mystery of Your Redemption.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, You Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Súscipe, quaésumus, Dómine, sacrifícium placatiónis et laudis, quod in sanctæ Dei Genetrícis Assumptióne celebrámus, ut ad véniam nos obtinéndam perdúcat, et in perpétua gratiárum constítuat actióne.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Lord, receive this sacrifice of praise and peace in honor of the assumption of the Mother of God. May our offering bring us pardon and make our lives a thanksgiving to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Receive, we beseech You, O Lord, this sacrifice of appeasement and praise, which we celebrate on the Assumption of the holy Mother of God, so that it may lead us to obtain forgiveness, and by means of this act may it establish our thankfulness forever.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Mensæ cæléstis partícipes effécti, implorámus cleméntiam tuam, Dómine Deus noster, ut, qui Assumptiónem Dei Genetrícis cólimus, a cunctis malis imminéntibus liberémur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God of mercy, we rejoice because Mary, the mother of our Lord, was taken into the glory of heaven. May the holy food we receive at this table free us from evil.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Having been made participants of this Heavenly table, we beg of Your tenderness, O Lord our God, that, we who honor the Assumption of the Mother of God, may be freed from all threatening evils.
Through Christ our Lord.

Comparison of Prayers - 19th Sunday Per Annum

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, quem, docénte Spíritu Sancto, patérno nómine invocáre præsúmimus, pérfice in córdibus nostris spíritum adoptiónis filiórum, ut promíssam hereditátem íngredi mereámur.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God, your Spirit made us your children, confident to call you Father. Increase your Spirit within us and bring us to our promised inheritance.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, Whom, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, we dare to call upon by Your Fatherly Name, perfect in our hearts the spirit of adopted sons, so that we may be made worthy to enter into our promised inheritance.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Ecclésiæ tuæ, Dómine, múnera placátus assúme, quæ et miséricors offerénda tribuísti, et in nostræ salútis poténter éfficis transíre mystérium.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
God of power, giver of the gifts we bring, accept the offering of your Church and make it the sacrament of our salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
Having been appeased, O Lord, accept Your Church’s sacrificial offerings, which You both mercifully have bestowed to be consecrated, and which you powerfully make to be transformed into the Mystery of our salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Sacramentórum tuórum, Dómine, commúnio sumpta nos salvet, et in tuæ veritátis luce confírmet.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, may the eucharist you give us bring us to salvation and keep us faithful to the light of your truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O Lord, may this Communion of Your Sacraments, Which we have received, save us, and in the light of Your truth may It strengthen us.
Through Christ our Lord.

RS

Comparison of Prayers - 18th Sunday "Per Annum"

Even though the Feast of the Transfiguration took precidence over the 18th Sunday Per Annum, I will go ahead and post my translations anyway.

Collect (Opening Prayer)

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Adésto, Dómine, fámulis tuis, et perpétuam benignitátem largíre poscéntibus, ut his, qui te auctórem et gubernatórem gloriántur habére, et creáta restáures, et restauráta consérves.
Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Father of everlasting goodness, our origin and guide, be close to us and hear the prayers of all who praise you. Forgive our sins and restore us to life. Keep us safe in your love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. Be near to Your servants, O Lord, and lavish Your everlasting kindness upon those who beg of You, so that You might restore these, who glory to have You as their Creator and Ruler, whom You have created, and that You might preserve these whom You have restored.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Propítius, Dómine, quaésumus, hæc dona sanctífica, et, hóstiæ spiritális oblatióne suscépta, nosmetípsos tibi pérfice munus ætérnum.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Merciful Lord, make holy these gifts, and let our spiritual sacrifice make us an everlasting gift to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Literal Translation
Graciously sanctify these gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, and, having received the offering of this spiritual victim, may we ourselves be perfected as an eternal gift to You.
Through Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer

Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Quos cælésti récreas múnere, perpétuo, Dómine, comitáre præsídio, et, quos fovére non désinis, dignos fíeri sempitérna redemptióne concéde.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.

Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation(Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you give us the strength of new life by the gift of the eucharist. Protect us with your love and prepare us for eternal redemption.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Literal Translation
Let us pray. O, Lord, accompany with Your perpetual protection, these whom You restore by Your Heavenly Gift, and, grant to these whom You never cease to cherish, to be made worthy by means of the Everlasting Redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.

Pictures of Saint Dominic

In honor of Saint Dominic, I though I would post a couple of beautiful pictures of him.


"Saint Dominic" by Gregorio Fernandez
(click on picture to embiggen)


"Saint Dominic of Guzman" by Claudio Coello
(click on picture to embiggen)

Comparison of Prayers - Feast of the Transfiguration

Collect (Opening Prayer)
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Deus, qui fídei sacraménta in Unigéniti tui gloriósa Transfiguratióne patrum testimónio roborásti, et adoptiónem filiórum perféctam mirabíliter præsignásti, concéde nobis fámulis tuis, ut, ipsíus dilécti Fílii tui vocem audiéntes, eiúsdem coherédes éffici mereámur.
Qui tecum vivit et regnat, in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia saécula sæculórum.
Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. God our Father, in the transfigured glory of Christ your Son, you strengthen our faith by confirming the witness of your prophets, and show us the splendor of your beloved sons and daughters. As we listen to the voice of your Son, help us to become heirs to eternal life with him
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Literal Translation
Let us pray. O God, You Who in the glorious Transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son confirmed the Mysteries of the Faith by the testimony of the fathers, and wondrously pre-figured the perfect adoption of Sons, grant to us Your family, that hearing the voice of Your beloved Son Himself, we may be made worthy to be made His coheirs.
Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Gifts
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Obláta múnera, quaésumus, Dómine, gloriósa Unigéniti tui Transfiguratióne sanctífica, nosque a peccatórum máculis, splendóribus ipsíus illustratiónis, emúnda.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Lord, by the transfiguration of your Son make our gifts holy, and by his radiant glory free us from our sins.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Literal Translation
Sanctify these offered gifts, we beseech You, O Lord, by the glorious Transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son, and by the splendor of His brightness, cleanse us from the stains of sins.
Through Christ our Lord.

Preface
Preface of the Mystery of the Transfiguration
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Vere dignum et iustum est, æquum et salútare, nos tibi semper et ubíque grátias ágere: Dómine, sancte Pater, omnípotens ætérne Deus: per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
Qui coram eléctis téstibus suam glóriam revelávit, et commúnem illam cum céteris córporis formam máximo splendóre pefúdit, ut de córdibus discipulórum crucis scándalum tollerétur, et in totíus Ecclésiæ córpore declaráret impléndum quod eius mirabíliter præfúlsit in cápite.
Et ídeo cum cælórum virtútibus in terris te iúgiter celebrámus, maiestáti tuæ sine fine clamántes:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus ...
Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He revealed his glory to the disciples to strengthen them for the scandal of the cross. His glory shone from a body like our own, to show that the Church, which is the body of Christ, would one day share his glory.
In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as they praise your glory forever:
Holy, holy, holy ...
Literal Translation
It is truly right and just, proper and availing unto salvation, that we always and everywhere give thanks to You, O Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God: through Christ our Lord.
Who revealed His Glory in the presence of chosen witnesses, and He filled with the greatest splendor that form of the body which He had in common with other men, so that both the scandal of the Cross might be taken away from the hearts of His disciples, and that He might manifest that filling, which wondrously shined forth in the Head, in the Body of the entire Church.
And so we on earth together with the Powers of Heaven celebrate You, proclaiming Your majesty without end:
Holy, Holy, Holy ...

Post-Communion Prayer
Official Latin from the 1969 & 2002 Roman Missals
Orémus. Cæléstia, quaésumus, Dómine, aliménta quæ súmpsimus in eius nos transfórment imáginem, cuius claritátem gloriósa Transfiguratióne manifestáre voluísti.
Qui vivit et regnat in saécula sæculórum.
Official 1973 I.C.E.L. Translation (Used at Mass in English)
Let us pray. Lord, you revealed the true radiance of Christ in the glory of his transfiguration. May the food we receive from heaven change us into his image.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Literal Translation
Let us pray. May the Heavenly Foods, we beseech You, O Lord, Which we have received transform us into the image of Him, Whose glory You wished to manifest through His glorious Transfiguration.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Comments
Many of the Sunday prayers, I have translated over the past few years, so I just go back and re-check them and tweak them a bit for accuracy, but since this feast doesn’t usually fall on Sundays, I had to do this “from scratch” this year.

Collect:
The first half of this prayer comes from the traditional prayers used at Mass. However, in that prayer it mentions the Father’s voice, but this prayer speaks of Christ’s voice. This is a complete shift which really strips the context of the feast away from the prayer. I mean, this prayer almost sounds like you could use it any day of the year. Things like this really frustrate me. Why did we have to throw out such beautiful (and theologically expressive) prayers for something so watered down and boring even in the Latin text?

Prayer Over the Gifts:
“splendóribus ipsíus illustratiónis” was difficult since the only definitions I could find for “illustrátio” were: “vivid representation” in Lewis & Short, and “brightness” and “illustration” in Shelton’s “Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin.” The Saint Andrew Daily Missal translates it to “glory” which is certainly more beautiful. It isn’t that literal, since it didn’t just use “glória,” but when I thought about it, when you look at the event of the Transfiguration itself, and see that the brightness of Christ’s appearance was His Glory, it makes complete sense. I will use “brightness” in my translation to be a bit more literal (but I like “glory” better, so I might tweak it next time). (However I’ll break that rule in the Post-Communion prayer)

Preface:
This gave me fits for days. Finally after doing some research on the web, I realized that some of it is paraphrased from the lessons at Matins for the Transfiguration in the old rite, which is a sermon on the Transfiguration by Pope Saint Leo the Great. This helped a bit and allowed me to understand what was being said, but the linguistic gymnastics you have to do to make it sound decent in English is frustrating when trying to be literal. I am not overly fond of my translation which just seems to borderline on "dynamic equivalence" since the literal translation is pretty awkward IMHO.

Post-Communion:
Being a bit inconsistant myself and translating "claritatem" as "glory" using the reasoning above in the Prayer Over the Gifts.

August 2nd - "Portiuncula Indulgence"

August 2nd will be a day of great grace. I wanted to post this so we could help the souls in Purgatory. August 2nd is the day of the "Portiuncula Indulgence," which originated with Saint Francis at the tiny chapel of Our Lady of the Angels which is pictured above.

Yes, indulgences still exist in the Church and are often much misunderstood not only by non-Catholics, but many Catholics as well.

1. An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ and the Saints.

-Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also treats this in #'s 1471 - 1479.

Anyway, to get to the details, one can obtain a plenary indulgence on August 2nd by visiting a parish church and doing the following:

- Devoutly carry out the indulgenced work and devoutly pray the required prayers (if there are any) that go along with the action. In this case, visiting a parish church and reciting the "Our Father" and the Creed.

- Say one “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” for the intentions of the Pope on the day you perform the indulgenced work.

- Worthily receive Holy Communion, ideally on the same day on which you perform the indulgenced work or at least within a few days of performing the indulgenced work.

- Make a Sacramental Confession within a week of (before or after) the day on which you perform the indulgenced work.

- It is also required that one be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.

(Indulgences may be obtained for oneself or may be applied to the souls in Purgatory, but they may never be done for other living persons.)

As for the technical stuff, you can read the "Handbook of Indulgences" which is the current document of the Church for setting forth the guidlines and permitted indulgences.

“22. The prescribed work for gaining a plenary indulgence attached to a church or oratory is a devout visit there, which includes the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed (Pater Noster and Credo), unless otherwise stated in a specific grant.”
“23. 1. Besides the exclusion of all attachment to sin, even venial sin, the requirements for gaining a Plenary Indulgence are the performance of the indulgenced work and fulfillment of three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
2. Several Plenary Indulgences may be gained on the basis of a single Sacramental Confession; only one may be gained, however, on the basis of a single Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
3. The three conditions may be carried out several days preceding or following performance of the prescribed work. But it is more fitting that the Communion and the prayer for the Pope’s intentions take place on the day the work is performed.
4. If a person is not fully disposed or if the prescribed work and the three mentioned conditions are not fulfilled, the Indulgence will only be partial ...”
5. The condition requiring prayer for the Pope’s intentions is satisfied by reciting once the Our Father and Hail Mary for his intentions (Pater Noster and Ave Maria); nevertheless all the faithful have the option of reciting any other prayer suited to their own piety and devotion.”

-Handbook of Indulgences, Norms

Please not how this helps one develop spiritual virtue: praying, going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying for the pope, detaching oneself from sin, and if seeking an indulgence for a soul in purgatory, fraternal charity as well.

So how did this particular indulgence come about?

A good description is found in Arnaldo Fortini's book "Francis of Assisi"

Portziuncola Pardon: 1216

[His] compassion for everyone, no matter what he was or what he had done, inspired the great Franciscan Indulgence of the Pardon. According to the story told by some of Francis's companions, the Indulgence was preceded by a miraculous vision in the Portziuncola chapel on a night of July 1216.
Francis was praying, kneeling before the altar, when an extremely bright light shown all about. In the great splendour Jesus and Mary appeared, with a multitude of radiant angels. They bade Francis ask for whatever he thought best for the salvation of human souls.
And Francis replied:
"Since it is a miserable sinner who speaks to you, O God of Mercy, he askes you to have mercy on his brothers who are burdened with sin. And he asks that all those who, prentant, cross over the threshold of this place, receive from you, O Lord, who sees their torment, pardon for their evil deeds."
His prayer would be answered, he was assured. However, the fulfillment of it would have to be sealed by the pope, the Vicar of Christ.
Then the divine light disappeared and the song of the angels faded away.
When the first rays of dawn broke through the small window crookedly cut into the wall at Porziuncola, Francis rose and called Brother Masseo, and together they set out for Perugia.

As for the rest,to make a long story short, the pope eventually granted his request in the form of a plenary indulgence, and since 1967, this same privilege is obtainable at every parish church on August 2nd.

This is also obtainable on the titular feast of a church as well with all the same requirements. So if your parish happens to be "Assumption Parish" then you can also obtain a plenary indulgence on August 15th, or if your parish is named for "Saint Luke's" then you can also obtain a plenary indulgence on October 15th, etc., by reverenly carrying out the above conditions.

RS