Here we come to the end of the Book of Blessings’ General Introduction looking at ADAPTATIONS BELONGING TO THE CONFERENCES OF BISHOPS. We are reminded of the duty of bishops, and the right of Rome to oversee them in these liturgical matters:
39 In virtue of the Constitution on the Liturgy, [Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 63b] each conference of bishops has the right to prepare a particular ritual, corresponding to the present title of the Roman Ritual, adapted to the needs of the respective region. Once the decisions of the conference have been reviewed by the Apostolic See, [Cf. Canon law 838.2-3; 1167.1] the ritual prepared by the conference is to be used in the region concerned.
That said, some responsibilities are delegated:
In this matter the conference of bishops has the following responsibilities:
a. to decide on adaptations, in keeping with the principles established in the present book, and preserving the proper structure of the rites;
b. to weigh carefully and prudently what elements from the traditions and culture of individual peoples may be appropriately admitted into divine worship, then to propose further adaptations that the conference considers to be necessary or helpful; [Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 37-40 and 65]
c. to retain or to adapt blessings belonging to particular rituals or those of the former Roman Ritual that are still in use, as long as such blessings are compatible with the tenor of the Constitution on the Liturgy, with the principles set out in this General Introduction, and with contemporary needs;
Do older forms still work for the benefit of the faithful, and are these aligned with liturgical reform and the principles of conscious and active participation (among others)?
d. to add different texts of the same kind to the various orders of blessing whenever the present book gives a choice between several alternative texts;
Some originality and provision is to be made for preparation and catechesis:
e. not only to translate in their entirety but also, where necessary, to expand the Introductions in this book, so that the ministers will fully understand the meaning of the rites and carry them out effectively and the faithful will take part more consciously and actively;
Even musical suggestions can be surfaced by bishops:
f. to supply elements missing from this book, for example, to provide other readings that may be useful and to indicate what songs are suited to the celebrations;
On translations, which I suspect will be less influenced by Rome in future editions:
g. to prepare translations of the texts that are adapted to the idiom of the different languages and to the genius of the diverse cultures;
Publishing issues:
h. to arrange the contents of editions of a book of blessings in a format that will be as convenient as possible for pastoral use; to publish sections of the book separately, but with the major introductions always included.
Whew! Had enough? Was the GIBB what you thought it might be?
Catholic Sensibility 