RIP: Father Stephen Somerville, Priest who formally renounced his work with I.C.E.L., died in Toronto on December 12

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Catholic Family News mourns the passing of Father Stephen Somerville, a priest who made headlines after publicly renouncing his involvement with the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (I.C.E.L.). Father Somerville passed away in Toronto on the night of December 12, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A Beloved Chaplain and Friend of Tradition

Known for his deep affection for traditional Catholic rites, Father Somerville also gained renown as the chaplain on the set of Mel Gibson’s movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ during filming in Italy. His commitment to tradition made him a friend of Catholic Family News and the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).

Funeral Mass and Remembrance

A funeral Mass was held to honor Father Somerville's life and legacy at the Church of the Transfiguration (SSPX) in Toronto on Thursday, December 17. The mass was a testament to his impact on the community and the loyalty he inspired among those dedicated to the preservation of Catholic tradition.

The Public Renunciation

Stephen Somerville Obituary (2015) - Toronto, ON - Toronto Star

In the December 2002 edition of Catholic Family News, Father Somerville issued a historic public renunciation of his services to ICEL, an international body charged with translating the Latin Liturgy into English post-Vatican II. Below we reflect upon the potent words from this critical moment in Father Somerville's life.

An Open Letter to the Church by Father Stephen Somerville

A Mission of Translation Gone Astray

Selected as a member of the Advisory Board for I.C.E.L. at the age of 33, Father Somerville bravely voiced concerns over what he viewed as "bold mistranslations" and growing radical approaches within the committee.

Examples of Liturgical Deviations

Father Somerville highlighted several significant deviations from the original Latin text, which he believed diluted the richness of Catholic liturgy and thereby, ultimately, the faith. Instances included the controversial change from "Et cum spiritu tuo" to "And also with you," the reducing of the penitential rite's acknowledgment of sin's gravity, and modifications to the words spoken before Communion that diverted from Gospel imagery.

Impact of the Translations

Asserting that the many mistranslations proliferated by I.C.E.L. led to profound consequences for the Church's lex orandi and lex credendi, Father Somerville decried the weakening of essential Christian doctrines. He saw in these translations a disturbing trajectory altering the very lexicon of faith.

Reevaluation and Return to Tradition

Through engaging with traditionalist Catholics, Father Somerville reevaluated the work of Vatican II's Consilium and Archbishop Bugnini. He found the New Mass problematic, potentially watering down the doctrine of Eucharist as a sacrifice and the Real Presence within it. His realization led him to align closer with the work of respected traditional Catholic voices and ultimately, to his renouncement of I.C.E.L. and embrace of pre-Vatican II liturgy.

In Pursuit of Faithful Perseverance

As the Catholic community reflects on the life and contributions of Father Somerville, there is a call for both mourning and celebration. It is an invitation to continue the pursuit of a faithful adherence to the Catholic tradition, where one can find true spiritual sustenance. His journey from translation misgivings to a full embrace of traditionalist liturgy holds a powerful message for Catholics seeking authenticity in their faith.

Parting Thoughts: The Journey to Our Spiritual Home

Travel is often seen as an exploration of external landscapes, but Father Somerville's life reminds us of the more profound journey towards our true spiritual home. As travelers on this earthly plane, may we, inspired by Father Somerville's example, find our way to the richness of faith and tradition that lies at the heart of the Catholic Church.