Which “Our Father” Will You Use?

In addition to the Latin version, the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal in the new English translation will print three versions of English. The one familiar to most people is not in the book.

The first is the one that follows the traditional Latin.

The second is the Mozabaric tone

The third is the Solemn Anaphora tone, which seem to be of Greek origin, but probably someone knows more.

5 Replies to “Which “Our Father” Will You Use?”

  1. The Mozabaric seems similar to Gloria XV.

    Also, if the one familiar to most people is not in the book, should we take that as a hint not to use it?

  2. The "familiar" version of the Lord's Prayer was an adaptation of the principal Latin version. The first new English version given here is also a version of the Latin one, and therefore a replacement for the old English one. The use of melody in the old version is analogous to the use of language in the old ICEL translations. The new version is as much an improvement as are the new translations, despite slight imperfections.

  3. @ Ben Yanke: ICEL had the following to say about the familiar (Snow) version of the Our Father; see pp. 11-12 of http://www.icelweb.org/ICELMusicIntroductionRev809.pdf :

    The “Our Father” presents an interesting pastoral conundrum. In the United States, a very successful simplified setting with admirable treatment of the English language is already widely used. Australia has its own widely used setting based closely on the Latin Pater noster, and other countries have their own settings as well. Many would regret tampering with an element of the reformed liturgy that the people sing so well. Several possible pastoral solutions were given serious consideration. ICEL could have selected one from the many current settings of various countries to include in the Roman Missal. Or ICEL could have refrained from proposing a revised setting, with the suggestion that each country retain what is presently in use. After much consideration it was decided to offer to all the Conferences of Bishops a new setting based on the Latin Pater noster (GR 812, GS 9‐10). Each country will examine the setting and decide whether or not to introduce it, either alongside or as a replacement for settings currently in use.

  4. I can't speak for Americanadians, but the "Latin tone" is very common in Australia (Deo gratias!). I think most places will stick to it, given its simplicity and familiarity.

  5. We've abandoned the Our Father altogether, and sing the Canticle of Mary now. We believe it to be more closely in line with the prayers Jesus would have actually prayed.

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