Universalis Prepares for New English Mass Readings

Universalis provides access to all hours of the Liturgy of the Hours and all readings at Mass [3]. The platform is currently preparing to implement a significant update to its content for users in Great Britain by processing texts for a new English lectionary mandated by Bishops in England, Wales, and Scotland [2].

Key takeaways

• Universalis offers the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass readings online [3].
• Bishops in Great Britain will adopt a new lectionary using the English Standard Version starting December 1, 2024 [2].
• Universalis has processed the new texts but is awaiting licensing permissions to publish them [2].
• The platform produces a weekly podcast covering liturgical aspects and saint reflections [2].

Transition to the English Standard Version

The Bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland have decided that a new version of the readings at Mass shall be used, starting on Advent Sunday, 1 December 2024 [2]. This new Lectionary will utilize the English Standard Version (a derivative of the RSV) rather than the Jerusalem Bible, necessitating new Lectionaries and Missals for everybody in Great Britain [2]. Universalis reports that it has received the new texts from the Catholic Liturgy Office and processed them into its database [2]. However, the platform notes that it remains to get permission and make arrangements for the licensing of these texts, and they are waiting to hear back from relevant people [2].

Beyond the Texts: Podcasts and Liturgy

In addition to textual resources, Universalis offers a podcast that has reached its 18th episode and attracts thousands of weekly listeners [2]. Each episode covers the liturgical aspects of the week ahead, including reflections on saints and readings, and is released on Fridays [2]. The service also provides access to the Divine Office, including Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, and the Office of Readings [3]. Parishes, such as the Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ipoh and the Parish of the Holy Name, utilize Universalis as a reference for daily readings and liturgical calendars [1, 4].

Why it matters

This update ensures that digital resources align with the liturgical norms established by regional Church authorities, maintaining consistency for worshippers [2]. Universalis serves as a vital tool for the faithful to access prayers and readings, supporting spiritual practice both at home and while traveling [2, 3]. The platform notes that attending Mass while traveling, or "Mass tourism," offers a sense of belonging within the universal Church wherever one goes [2].