Sister Paschal Hocum, OSF, (in The Catholic Messenger, Nov. 12, Page 9), may rest assured that the change from “We” to “I” in the new translation of the Nicene Creed is of ancient lineage, indeed, of original lineage.
Surely the “Credo” (note well, not “Credimus”) of the Nicene Creed derives in part from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that everyone (“omnis” — singular) who believes (“qui credit” — both words are singular) in Him, might not perish (“pereat” — singular) but have (“habeat” — singular) life eternal.”
St. Jerome’s Latin translation follows faithfully the Greek singular originals: “pas ho pisteuon,” “apoletai,” “eche.” Not a plural expression in the bunch.
It’s good to see Our Lord’s words and their expression in the original Nicene Creed honored once again.
George Mullally
Iowa City
