Pope Benedict’s arrangement is an ineffective compromise. The candlesticks and crucifix clutter the altar, obscuring the sacred elements and – if the candlesticks are tall, as the pope seems to prefer – making the celebrant look as though he is peering out from behind the bars of a jail cell.
Archive for category Pope Benedict XVI
In Koch’s view, the readmission of the celebration of Mass in the preconciliar form is “only the first step,” but “the time is not yet ripe” for further steps. Rome can take further actions only when there is readiness among Catholics to consider new forms of liturgy “in service of the Church.”
“One of the very few areas where I agree with the Lefebvrists is their assertion that Pope Benedict’s ‘hermeneutic of continuity’ fails to make logical sense.” — Jonathan Day
It’s hard to hold your camera in one hand and your booklet in the other, trying to watch the conductor out of the corner of your eye as you focus your camera on the center aisle – all the while translating the Italian translation of the Latin text of the introit for spiritual benefit.
from Pope Benedict XVI
In Praise of Rupture
Sep 27
Who could praise rupture?
In the church where Martin Luther was ordained and celebrated his first Mass, the Pope wore a stole that depicted his personal coat of arms topped by the triple-crown tiara. Talk about sending a message! If there is anyone who railed against the imperial papacy, it was surely Luther.
Finding Common Ground?
Sep 23
In the midst of conflict and division, we know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts or really, really terrible music.
Report from New Zealand
Sep 19
Eighty-three percent gave a negative evaluation of the new translation.
Female servers for the Pope
Aug 26
The Vatican has given a green light for female altar servers for the papal visit to Germany.