This is the vision from Rome which has been impressed on us by the leadership of the CCCB. What we are producing is in accord with Vatican directives and follows the example of the Latin Missale Romanum. Hundreds of colour plates on glossy paper would distract from the words of the prayers. Our use of two-colour art on the same paper as the rest of the Roman Missal actually supports and enhances the words on the page.
Once priests and bishops have seen the completed work, we will evaluate how well we have done. We will assess if there is a need for a deluxe version, one with a limited use of four-colour plates and leather binding. Such an edition would not normally be for every day use, but be reserved for special occasions.
For the present edition, I have marveled at the skill with which our artists and craftspeople have been able to use a two-colour printing processes to create breathtaking images. Just the other day I saw a test rendition of the Last Supper by Tissot that left me speechless. It will be a beautiful book, and so a more elaborate edition may not be needed.
A more practical reason why the new Roman Missal is good for Canada is this: it is Canadian. From the designers and layout team, to the harvesting of sustainable wood for pulp, to the paper manufacturers, to the printers, to the binding, tabs and ribbons, to the boxes and the shipping, the entire process is Canadian, providing work for Canadians and supporting Canadian industry. There is a beauty in this, too.
Finally, because we are the publishers of the book for all of Canada, we have been able to take our time in producing the full-size and chapel editions.
The missal is not to be used before November 27. To rush the publication would not have served the project. We have been able to focus on the whole transition from the Sacramentary to the Roman Missal.
We have been working hard to keep costs down while serving the needs of the Church in Canada, and so there is no need for anyone to prematurely promote one of the American publications.
Liturgical books are approved for specific territories. They suit that territory and are not to be used elsewhere. In a word, we don’t need foreign-made missals on Canadian soil.
Two beautiful editions are being prepared for Canada. This I know, because it is happening before my eyes.
(Glenn CJ Byer, SLD is Director, Publications Service for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
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Glenn CJ Byer, SLD: Finding the missal’s beauty in the text
By Glenn CJ Byer, SLD
“There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ.”These words of Pope Benedict XVI have been a driving force behind our efforts as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops completes its new edition of the Roman Missal. A column by Fr. Raymond J. de Souza in the June 5 issue of The Catholic Register urged the creation of a missal that is “beautiful” and includes full-colour images. As the new missal nears completion, I want to assure Canadian Catholics that I have been truly moved by the beauty of the printer’s craft, by the attention to every detail in font and colour selections, by inspired page designs, by the talents of proofreaders, and by a concern for readability and avoiding odd page turns. Bishops have been involved in every stage of this process, ensuring that the new missal will reflect the preferences of clergy from across the country and of the CCCB.
But all of this pales in comparison to the encounter with the Gospel. There is nothing more beautiful than the contents of the antiphons and prayers. The instructions we received from the Vatican made it clear: illustrative art in the missal needs to be in service of the liturgy. The words of Jesus at the Last Supper, the quotes from the Psalms and the allusions to the Scriptures: these are the stars of the book, not an abundance of colour plates.
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