Collects: The Fourth Sunday of Easter

1970-2008

Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, deduc nos ad societátem cæléstium gaudiórum, ut eo pervéniat humílitas gregis, quo procéssit fortitúdo pastóris. Per Dóminum.

Lauren Pristas, The Collects of the Roman Missal

Almighty, everlasting God, lead us to the communion of heavenly joys, so that the humility of the flock may arrive there whence the strength of the shepherd has come forth/gone before.

Current English Translation

Almighty, ever-living God,

  bring us to the joy of your heavenly city:

so that we, your little flock,

  may follow where Christ, our Good Shepherd,

  has gone before us by the power of his resurrection.

1962

Deus, qui errantibus, ut in viam possint redire justitiae, veritatis tuae lumen ostendis: da cunctis qui Christiana professione censentur, et illa respuere, quae huic inimica sunt nomini; et ea quae sunt apta, sectari.

O God, who dost show to them that are in error the light of Thy truth, that they may return into the way of righteousness; grant to all those who profess themselves Christians to reject those things which are contrary to that name, and follow such things as are agreeable to the same. 

Lauren Pristas points out the lack of moral content in the newer collect, although it is implied by humilitas gregis. However, the English translation is very weak 'little flock'. 

The translation of societas as 'city' is certainly justified historically, but I cannot help but wonder if the conations of 'city' are lost for many modern folks. On the other hand, at least they avoided the favorite modern term 'community'.