Text and rubrics of the Roman Canon
Comparison of text and rubrics
The text and rubrics of the Roman Canon have undergone revisions over the centuries, while the canon itself has retained its essential form as arranged no later than the 7th century. However, there have been changes between the 1962 and 1970 versions outside of the preface and the Sanctus, specifically the 1902 English version of Nicholas Gihr's The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (1902), and the version of the text from 1970.
The rubrics, as is customary in similar liturgical books, indicate the manner in which to carry out the celebration.
Audibility of recitation
The 1962 canon, according to the Ritus servandus in celebratione Missæ, IX, of the 1962 Roman Missal, is spoken in a tone described as silentio, a word that in the context of liturgy is officially translated into English as "quietly". The English version of Nicholas Gihr's book on the Mass translates secreto as "silently", but explains that it means that the canon is to be said not in absolute silence but "in a voice so subdued that the celebrant may hear himself, but not be heard by those around him". However, the rubrics of the canon indicate that, when saying the phrase "Nobis quoque peccatoribus", he raises his voice a little (elata aliquantulum voce), while the final "Per omnia saecula saeculorum" is to be spoken understandably (intelligibili voce).
Audible recitation of the whole 1962 Roman Canon was permitted in 1967.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which covers the ground previously occupied by the Ritus servandus of pre-1970 editions, states: "The nature of the 'presidential' texts demands that they be spoken in a loud and clear voice and that everyone listen with attention." In addition, in a Mass with a congregation, "it is very appropriate that the priest sing those parts of the Eucharistic Prayer for which musical notation is provided".
The whole of the 1962 canon and of the preceding offertory prayers was recited aloud by newly ordained priest(s), along with the ordaining bishop, in the Mass of their ordination. The words of consecration in particular were to be said "slowly and rather loud".
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