The New Liturgical Movement (link on the left) has been posting pictures recently of freestanding altars conforming themselves to the Holy Father's custom of having candles and crucifix on the altar in front of him. This is how we have done it in Shoreham, arranged for both the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The pictures were taken at Easter.Click on the pics to make them bigger.
11 comments:
It's a pity about the graffiti on the walls.
I would be slightly bothered by the duplication of crucifixes. As there is a crucifix hanging over the altar is that not sufficient?
I do not like the tabernacle merely draped. Certainly the old rubrics required it to be completely veiled.
Why change direction of the altar for the different celebrations? Have you experimented with the OF celebrated versus Deum ?
Old believer:
1) The celebrant cannot see the crucifix above the altar, nor is it a 'Christ dying' one, but a 'Christ glorified'.
2) The tabernacle is so constructed as to make a full veil impossible; this is the best we could do.
3) One cannot do everything at once.
Has anyone got anything nice to say?
No.
Your church in Shoreham proves that even the most modern of designs is not a hindrance to the celebration of the Extraordinary Form.
Have to say though that I agree with anon regarding the 'kiddy art.' And I failed to see the significance of the peacock on the wall but I am sure you have a good reason, Father!
The intent was to show that even with a very unpromising start, such as the church at Shoreham, there is a lot one can do.
I must point out what I thought was obvious — I am in no way responsible for the art. It predates me, but it is too recent to be replaced/removed without unnecessary hurt to good people.
The peacock (albeit perhaps not a scarlet one!) is an ancient symbol of immortality, hence its appropriateness for Easter.
I am sure Father has exactly the same problem as many other parishes. There are probably many things he would get rid of or change but they were given/ made by parishoners who would be deeply hurt if he did so. We have several really hideous cheap vestments which are used very regularly and some really nice older ones hanging in a cupboard, never used,(Gothic and Roman). I recently had a small windfall and offered to have some of the older ones cleaned and repaired and even to buy one or two new ones, but we could not do so as the Hideous ones were made by parishoners in the 1970 and they are still very good active members of the congregation. And these vestments are among the worst I have ever seen, the cheapest polyester with sown on felt african designs and the like. It is time to move on from that, but how do you do so when they were made by a group of ladies, who met in each other's houses, to make these vestments deliberately to replace the better older ones some of us now wish to bring back.
I am sure that none of the writers blames you personally, Father, for the art work in your church. And your reason for not removing it is completely understandable and commendable.
Since writing my comment I suddenly have the horrible feeling that I may have once known the artist and if I am right may look on it in a different light!
Thank you for explaining the significance of the peacocks. Of course the symbol of immortality was relevant to Easter. Peacock feathers are magnificent and some years ago we acquired some and put them in a vase for decoration. We removed them later when our parish priest at the time told us that some people believe that they bring bad luck and represent the 'evil eye.' A comment still remembered!
Father,the church is much improved and credit is due for that. I sympathise with what you are trying to do.
I may have the problem of trying to make the sanctuary of Middlesbrough Cathedral look more presentable for a usus antiquior Mass. All suggestions are welcome.
I'd have something nice to say, even if you hadn't asked. Good job.
The peacocks remind me of some Romanesque frescoes I've seen, and I doubt anyone would nitpick about those. That's a beautiful altar, by the way, and the crucifix, though not quite as I'd have it, is very well done.
Jeffrey Smith: thank you, and all the others also who have made positive comments.
Post a Comment