I was invited to write a guest opinion column (250-750 words)for the Washington Post ("On Faith") about the new translation of the Roman Missal. It appeared yesterday. Here's a bit of it.

Many of the new prayers ...contain a pile-up of subordinate clauses reflecting Latin syntax rather than the natural rhythms of spoken English. The people in the pews have been told they are gaining access to the riches of the Latin liturgical tradition. But will Latin syntax slavishly reproduced in English really help them to pray in a more authentic manner? Somehow, I doubt it.

You can read the rest here.