Does that mean the faithful can similarly ignore the GIRM with regards to an official English translations of the Propers and the Sequence?
On June 25, 2008, Fr. Richard Hilgartner wrote:
Since the documents speak of the nobility of chant and the rich musical heritage of polyphony for the liturgy, those musical forms are by nature "approved" for liturgical use.
No it is not! It is in accordance with what is required by the USCCB. GIRM 48 is quite clear on the matter, that it is THE (local) diocesan Bishop or the national conference that must give approval. This seems like another case of communion in the hand, that if done illicitly for a long time, no one can stop it. As one commenter in the above referenced discussion link said, "The rules don't apply to us", and the "us" is the USA.
Can. 824 §1. Unless it is established otherwise, the local ordinary whose permission or approval to publish books must be sought according to the canons of this title is the proper local ordinary of the author or the ordinary of the place where the books are published.
§2. Those things established regarding books in the canons of this title must be applied to any writings whatsoever which are destined for public distribution, unless it is otherwise evident.
Can. 826 §1. The prescripts of ⇒ can. 838 are to be observed concerning liturgical books.
§2. To reprint liturgical books, their translations into the vernacular, or their parts, an attestation of the ordinary of the place where they are published must establish their agreement with the approved edition.
§3. Books of prayers for the public or private use of the faithful are not to be published without the permission of the local ordinary.
Can. 838 §1. The direction of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church which resides in the Apostolic See and, according to the norm of law, the diocesan bishop.
§2. It is for the Apostolic See to order the sacred liturgy of the universal Church, publish liturgical books and review their translations in vernacular languages, and exercise vigilance that liturgical regulations are observed faithfully everywhere.
§3. It pertains to the conferences of bishops to prepare and publish, after the prior review of the Holy See, translations of liturgical books in vernacular languages, adapted appropriately within the limits defined in the liturgical books themselves.
§4. Within the limits of his competence, it pertains to the diocesan bishop in the Church entrusted to him to issue liturgical norms which bind everyone.
To participate in the discussions on Catholic church music, sign in or register as a forum member, The forum is a project of the Church Music Association of America.