Lost in Translation: The English Language and the Catholic Mass

Lost in Translation: The English Language and the Catholic Mass examines the profound relationship between faith, language, and meaning within the liturgy of the Catholic Church. It explores how translation choices shape not only the words of the Mass but also the spiritual experience and theological understanding of worshippers worldwide.

Through historical and linguistic analysis, this book traces the evolution of English translations of the Roman Missal, revealing the debates and tensions surrounding fidelity, clarity, and accessibility. It shows how every translation decision—whether literal or interpretive—affects how the sacred is heard, spoken, and lived.

The author offers insight into the collaboration and conflict between translators, theologians, and church authorities, unpacking how language serves as a bridge—or at times a barrier—between tradition and contemporary faith practice. Readers gain an appreciation for the delicate balance between preserving theological depth and ensuring linguistic resonance for modern congregations.

Rich in context and reflection, Lost in Translation invites clergy, lay readers, and scholars alike to consider how the English language both carries and transforms the mysteries of the liturgy. It emphasizes that translation is not merely technical work but a deeply spiritual act that shapes collective understanding and devotion.

A thoughtful and timely contribution to discussions of language, faith, and worship, this book illuminates how words can both unite and divide, reminding readers that in the sacred dialogue of the Mass, language itself becomes an expression of belief.