Reading through the new translations in my Magnificat was interesting. I like the formality (surprise, surprise) and several of the prayers are almost line-for-line what's in my 1962 missal. I do think that my 1962 missal has an better version of the Confiteor. As for some of the other changes, like the change from 'and also with you' to 'and with your spirit'--that's the wording I find in my first post-Vatican II missal. Ditto the change in the Nicene Creed.
In fact, my first 'post-Vatican II' missal is almost identical to my 1962 missal. The Confiteor was gone, the only penitential rite was the Kyrie. I'm sure I would find a few other changes if I take the time to go through the two missals page-by-page. But the biggest change is the change from Latin to English.
For those who don't know, or don't remember: The first change in the Mass after Vatican II was simply to say the Mass in the vernacular. The priest still faced the tabernacle, communion was still received on the tongue while kneeling. I remember this oh-so-brief period quite vividly because this is the Mass that was in place when I made my First Holy Communion and when I was Confirmed.
It wasn't until 1970 that everything changed so dramatically, and the Mass was suddenly and dramatically different.
I think the new missal is a good start to restoring what's been lost in the Catholic liturgy. Now, can we get the priest to turn around again?
