Report: New Vatican commission to crack down on church architecture

It's hard to believe this is a Catholic church building.  It is Église Sainte-Bernadette du Banlay, in Nevers.  It was designed in the 60's and 70's (no surprise).  Source

Vatican journalist, Andrea Tornielli, is reporting that the Holy See is about to form a commission under the Congregation for Design Worship to assist dioceses with their architectural plans.  It seems that the Holy Father has seen enough cubes, space eggs, and "garage churches", among  other oddities.  Tornielli writes (emphasis mine in bold; comments in red):

A team has been set up, to put a stop to garage style churches, boldly shaped structures that risk denaturing modern places for Catholic worship. Its task is also to promote singing that really helps the celebration of mass. The “Liturgical art and sacred music commission” will be established by the Congregation for Divine Worship over the coming weeks [It can't come fast enough]. This will not be just any office, but a true and proper team, whose task will be to collaborate with the commissions in charge of evaluating construction projects for churches of various dioceses. The team will also be responsible for the further study of music and singing that accompany the celebration of mass. [Deo gratias!]




Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Benedict XVI, consider this work as “very urgent”. The reality is staring everyone in the eyes: in recent decades, churches have been substituted by buildings that resemble multi purpose halls [and space eggs, space ships or just "worship spaces" - a word I refuse to use in reference to a Catholic Church where the Sacrifice of the Mass takes place]. Too often, architects, even the more famous ones, do not use the Catholic liturgy as a starting point and thus end up producing avant-garde constructions that look like anything but a church. These buildings composed of cement cubes, glass boxes, crazy shapes and confused spaces, remind people of anything but the mystery and sacredness of a church. [Bingo!] Tabernacles are semi hidden, leading faithful on a real treasure hunt and sacred images are almost inexistent. [In the geographical parish I grew up in, there were green blobs that were suppose to represent Mary and Joseph, and the tabernacle looked like something worthy of the Borg, complete with a 1970's pukey green door.  Thankfully, the new pastor, some years ago, replaced them with some real treasures he obtained from closing parishes and Our Lord is housed in a beautiful gold tabernacle]. The new commission’s regulations will be written up over the next few days and will give precise instructions to dioceses. It will only be responsible for liturgical art, not for sacred art in general; and this also goes for liturgical music and singing too [I hope guidelines are used for mega-Masses for youth and other large venues.  Pope Benedict XVI and his MC, Msgr. Guido Marini, have restored some dignity, but you can see that not everyone is getting the message]. The judicial powers of the Congregation for Divine Worship will have the power to act.

Well, that last sentence basically says it won't be a commission full of wall-flowers.

Keep in mind, this is just a report.  We've had reports like these only to have, "the Vatican" refute them days later.  I'll believe it when I see the press release from the Holy See.
But, for the pure pleasureful thought.... Continue reading Tornielli's report...

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Archbishop Raymond L. Burke named to CDW

EDIT July 7, 2010: After reading this news, you may want to check out a new post I just made which covers an audio interivew of Archbishop Burke, which aired on July 5th on the subject of "obedience".

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More interesting news out of the Holy See today with July 6, 2010 appointments.  Pope Benedict XVI has added to Archbishop Raymond L. Burke's duties.   Last October, he was named a member of the Congregation for Bishops, and today, the Holy Father added him as a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship (CDW).  This on top of being the Prefect for the Apostolic Signatura!

Anyone who thought he was "promoted out" of the US, is hopefully re-assessing that view.  His Excellency is in some very influential positions which will only grow with time. 

From the VIS-News bloglink provided above:

- As members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments: Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux, France; Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay, India; Archbishop Ioan Robu of Bucharest, Romania; Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Ireland; Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura; Bishop Julian Lopez Martin of Leon, Spain, and Bishop Aloysius Maryadi Sutrisnaatmaka M.S.F. of Palangkaraya, Indonesia.

Archbishop Burke was a regular visitor to Assumption Grotto where he would offer Mass in remembrance of Fr. John A. Hardon, SJ whose cause is being advanced, and for the Marian Catechists, which is an apostolate founded by Fr. Hardon.  Burke took the helm from Fr. Hardon.

In the first photo, we see His Excellency with the incense (and he was not cheap with it!).  In the second photo, you see the parish Church about 30 minutes after Mass ended, with the sun's rays illuminating the incense.  They were from separate Masses celebrated by Burke (different years even - 2006/2007), but I think you get the picture (pun intended).  This was an ordinary form Mass, in Latin, celebrated ad orientem, before Summorum Pontificum from a few years ago.

Here is Archbishop Burke addressing the Marian Catechists following Mass.

I am very glad that Abp Burke is a member of the CDW.  Perhaps some day we will see him back for a brief visit to Assumption Grotto.

If readers have background on other appointed members named in that bulletin for CDW, please feel free to add them into the combox, with links.   I am wondering if each of these men are known to have a strong background with the extraordinary form of the Mass (TLM), or at least "TLM friendly".  Please don't use the combox for a single comment loaded into several posts.  Use links and only quote small portions rather than copying everything into the combox.

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Fr. J. Augustine De Noia to be ordained an archbishop today in Washington; becomes Secretary of CDW

From the DCist (H/T American Papist), who may fit in some twittering from the event (emphases mine in bold; comments in red):

Little Rome to Celebrate One of Its Own

Some happy news from the part of Washington that is so Catholic it used to be called Little Rome. With the exception of papal visits to Washington, the concerns of the American Federal City and the Eternal City do not overlap all that often, but one long-time Washingtonian is about to assume the reigns of a powerful curial office in Rome. Fr. J. Augustine Di Noia, a Dominican priest and influential theologian, has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Secretary of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

A beloved professor of theology at the Dominican House of Studies, near Catholic University, for two decades Fr. Di Noia has been an assistant in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (first under then-Cardinal Ratzinger) for the past several years. Now he will assist Cardinal Llovera, prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship, in overseeing the Catholic liturgy (especially the implementation of the new form of the English Missal [isn't it great to have a solid "home-boy" in this position]). In response to an e-mail, the Prior of the Dominican House of Studies, Fr. Giles Dimock, told DCist: "Fr. Di Noia taught in this house for twenty years and this is his home. His brothers here are overjoyed because he's a good theologian who is a great human being and a great priest, who loves to laugh and loves all things Italian. It's an honor for our house, for our Province, and for the Church in America."

Because the holders of offices of this rank are traditionally appointed to the stature of archbishop, Fr. Di Noia will be ordained Titular Archbishop of Oregon City this Saturday (July 11, 2 p.m.). Such Ordination Masses almost always take place in Rome, but Fr. Di Noia has chosen to be ordained in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (4th St. and Michigan Ave. NE), across the street from his former home. William Cardinal Levada, former Archbishop of San Francisco and now the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (the office held for many years by Cardinal Ratzinger), will come from Rome to celebrate the Mass, as will presumably a gaggle of the American hierarchy

I was wondering why this was taking place in the US.

EWTN will be broadcasting this afternoon at 2:00pm EDT. If you don't have cable, just go to EWTN.com and watch it live online (click on Television and follow the prompts).

Fr. Z reports that Cardinal Canizares - the Prefect of the CDW was held up due to VISA problems and won't be there.


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Abp Vigneron's Installation Mass Video and Holy Communion

This video on YouTube of Archbishop Allen Vigneron's installation reveals something quite interesting. Several young men choose to kneel for Holy Communion and the Archbishop does not attempt to stop them. Those who know what the Church has said about kneeling for Holy Communion should not be surprised because it is not prohibited (see Rule's 2 and 3 in Archbishop's 10 Rules).

Also, see my post series done on this which goes into the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, revisions, and letters from the Holy See which clarify that one may not be forced to receive standing, nor may they be looked upon as disobedient for kneeling to receive (even though the norm in the diocese of the US is standing). The series links are below and I am reminded that I had at least another post or two to wrap it up. But, there is plenty there now.

First, the video....

In it, you will see the new Archbishop give Holy Communion to his mother, and then his uncle - both in wheel chairs. Local Catholic television coverage had the gentleman mislabeled as one if his parents, but in speaking to the man afterwards as he waited for his ride to pull up, he explained that he was Abp Vigneron's uncle. His Father was sitting in a pew behind his mother. I have a photo of him, but have not processed it.

EDIT: You may want to go to the YouTube page for this video and click on the text "Watch in High Quality", just below the video on the right. The embed code is strictly for the low quality version (which they call normal).




Series on Kneeling and Holy Communion

• Part 1: GIRM 160 (Introductory Post)
• Part 2: Holy See clarifies GIRM 160 in November of 2000
• Part 2.5: US Adapations to GIRM Approved for Submission
• Part 3: Holy See Responds to US Adapations with Suggestions
• Part 4: US Bishops on GIRM 160; Vatican Reiterates "no denial of Communion"

Other posts on reception of Holy Communion

• New Prefect of CDW, Cañizares, Favors Communion on the Tongue
• Dr. Alcuin Reid Reviews, "Dominus Est" (The book which prompted 80 bishops from around the world to write letters of support to it's author, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, ORC of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, who wrote on kneeling for Holy Communion and receiving on the tongue)
• Archbishop of Lima Peru bans Communion in the Hand
• Historical-Liturgical Notes on the Rite of the Eucharist by Bishop Athanasius Schneider

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New Prefect of CDW, Cañizares, Favors Communion on the Tongue

Bishop Athanasius Schneider, ORC, auxiliary bishop of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, distributes Holy Communion to parishioners kneeling at Assumption Grotto's communion rail during his visit in July 2008. An excerpt from Bishop Schneider's book, "Dominus Est", was published in L'Osservatore Romano under the title: Historical-Liturgical Notes on the Rite of the Eucharist. In a conference this past summer, Bishop Schneider told Grotto-goers that he received over 80 letters of support from bishops around the world, in addition to voluminous mail from priests and others.

Back in mid December, Catholic Culture ran an article about the new Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (CDWDS or simply, CDW). Cardinal Cañizares, who took the helm from Francis Cardinal Arinze, said he favors Communion on the tongue, kneeling.

Cardinal Cañizares answers three questions in the article....

• What does it mean to receive Communion in the mouth?
  
• What does it mean to kneel before the Most Holy Sacrament?
  
• What does it mean to kneel during the consecration at Mass?"
  

The prefect answered:

"It means adoration, it means recognizing the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist; it means respect and an attitude of faith of a man who prostrates before God because he knows that everything comes from Him, and we feel speechless, dumbfounded, before the wondrousness, his goodness, and his mercy. That is why it is not the same to place the hand, and to receive communion in any fashion, than doing it in a respectful way; it is not the same to receive communion kneeling or standing up, because all these signs indicate a profound meaning. What we have to grasp is that profound attitude of the man who prostrates himself before God, and that is what the Pope wants."

It's a short article, so go read the answers at Cath News: New Prefect favours Communion on the tongue. The original came from an interview granted to the Spanish daily, La Razón

More links:

• Kneeling for communion and communion on the tongue:"Profound meaning," says Cañizares (Rorate Caeli) [lots of comments to read through]


• Cardenal Cañizares: «No estoy en contra del Gobierno pero mi deber es enseñar lo que dice la Iglesia» (La Razón) [original interview]


• My label for all posts on Bishop Schneider, including several photo posts made during his visit to the US, and his time at Assumption Grotto.


• Dr. Alcuin Reid Reviews, "Dominus Est" (includes purchasing info)

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BREAKING: Cardinal Arinze Retires; Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera takes the helm at CDW

I'm headed out the door to work, but wanted to pass this along.

The much anticipated change at the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship, headed by Francis Cardinal Arinze, has been announced on today's Bollettino:

RINUNCIA DEL PREFETTO DELLA CONGREGAZIONE PER IL CULTO DIVINO E LA DISCIPLINA DEI SACRAMENTI E NOMINA DEL SUCCESSORE

Il Santo Padre ha accolto la rinunzia presentata dall’Em.mo Card. Francis Arinze, per raggiunti limiti di età, all’incarico di Prefetto della Congregazione per il Culto Divino e la Disciplina dei Sacramenti ed ha chiamato a succedergli nel medesimo incarico l’Em.mo Card. Antonio Cañizares Llovera, finora Arcivescovo di Toledo (Spagna).

I don't speak Italian, so you'll have to accept the Google Translator version:

SURRENDER AND APPOINTMENTS PREFECT SURRENDER OF THE CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF SACRAMENTS AND APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation submitted dall'Em. Card. Francis Arinze, on grounds of age, the post of Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and has called to succeed him in the same position Em. Card. Antonio Cañizares Llovera, until now Archbishop of Toledo
(Spain). [01901-01.01]

For some background, click this link and scroll down past the headlines to read: "The Little Ratzinger" to head CDW? It was written in June at NLM.

Previous posts on this topic:

• Rumor: Change coming at Congregation for Divine Worship?

AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE and in the news(watch for updates)

• Cardinal Cañizares New Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship (NLM)
• Spanish cardinal slams "Christophobia" (From Nov 25)
• Official... Finally: "Ratzingerino" Rises at CDW (Whispers)
• Pope names Cañizares to succeed Arinze at the Vatican sacraments post (CNS)
• Spanish cardinal to head liturgy office (AP)
• As widely anticipated... (Rorate Caeli)

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Rumor: Change coming at Congregation for Divine Worship?

This is a big one.

Is this Cardinal retiring next month....

Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship

And, being replaced by this Cardinal?

Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera of Toledo, Spain

There is considerable buzz on the internet that with the 76 year old Cardinal Arinze's Jubilee coming up on November 23 it is thought that his replacement will be announced.....soon. It just so happens that the Cardinal from Spain was received by the Holy Father today, in audience, as reported by the Vatican's daily Bollettino (and provided later in English at the Vatican Information Service - VIS).

Both Fr. Z and the New Liturgical Movement have more.

• Alignment of dates: New Prefect of CDWDS? (Fr Z)


• Rumour Watch: Arrival of the New CDW Prefect in Rome? (NLM)

Many had long hoped for the candid Archbishop Ranjith, the current Secretary of the CDW would get the job. However, Cardinal Llovera is also very good. Scroll down to read the NLM post from June, entitled: "The Little Ratzinger" to head CDW?

If you want a clue about his liturgical taste, a picture is worth a thousand words:

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Abp Ranjith: Opposition to Summorum Pontificum "beneath the dignity of a shepherd"

Abp Ranjith, the secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship, for which Cardinal Arinze is the head, had something to say again, about bishops who oppose the Pope's motu proprio, liberating the Tridentine, Summorum Pontificum. As much as I love Cardinal Arinze, Abp Ranjith is a very direct and quotable man. He says it like it is. Here is a short excerpt from Apcom which Fr. Z has up in English.

Mons. Ranjith criticizes the insubbordination of bishops over Latin

"No to dances, ditties and sermons of a socio-political nature"

Rome 16 Nov. (Apcom) –

....

The attitude of "autonomy" demonstrated "among some ecclesiastics", but also "in the highest ranks of the Church" certainly doesn’t help "the noble mission Christ entrusted to His Vicar", the Pope, the Archbishop affirmed in an interview with Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. [Here it is.]

"You hear in certain countries or dioceses that there have been issued by bishops rules which practically countermand or distort the intention of the Pope. Such behavior is not consonant with the dignity and nobility of the vocation of a pastor of the Church."

Mons. Ranjith then calls to mind the motivation which lead the Pope to sanction formally the validity of the liturgy before the Second Vatican Council. "The post-Conciliar reform is not entire negative", the Archbishop affirmed. "On the contrary, there are many positive aspects which were achieved. But there are also harmful things for the faith and the liturgical life of the Church." In particular, "the use of dances, musical instruments and songs that have little to do with liturgy", Ranjith stated "are not in any way in keeping with the sacred context of the church and of liturgy; I would add also certain sermons of a socio-political nature, often poorly prepared. All this perverts the celebration of Holy Mass and turns it into a backdrop (coreografia) and demonstration of theatricality, but not of faith."

Fr. Z's original post

Teresa-Benedetta at the Papa Ratzinger Forum has translated the entire interview by Fides and it is found on this page (scroll down to the second post).

Related Posts

Abp Ranjith: Those resisting Summorum Pontificum are guilty of the sin of pride

Examples from Fr Z and discussion of opposition tactics:

• Bp Trautman issues his own norms for the older form of Mass
• Glaswegian Archbishop’s hostility toward the Motu Proprio
• Discrepancy in Latin: continenter and stabiliter - Holy See and USCCB texts online DO NOT MATCH

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