As much as my logical brain tries to like the Novus Ordo, it frustrates me and makes me impatient with its klutzy choreography which leads, in many places, to very sloppy execution in addition to the seemingly unnecessary and honestly annoying ad-libbing. Not a fad for me and not something I have attended for years, the sobriety that I observe leads to a focus that I, personally, find challenging with the NO. Beautiful photos that inspire and draw, at least myself, in.
Perhaps the execution of SP was not what our Benedict XVI envisioned and, obviously, it seems intolerable to the current hierarchy. Why not try a different approach as opposed to alienating such a solid base. Always uneasy, afraid for where the proverbial carpet might be yanked out, I empathize with these adherents as their future was never assured. Why not try a different approach to integrate and share this great treasure?
Long-term, why not simply put the tabernacle back on Roman altars that are freestanding, so little rebuilding would be necessary and as "ordinary" simply celebrate the '62 missal in the vernacular giving Latin (and Greek...don't forget the Kyrie) some pride-of-place. Wouldn't this solve many problems, reorient both the presbyterate and the faithful and eliminate rupture and disorder? It seems that with the potential for schism, those favoring continuity with that which was handed down over the ages should get some consideration. As an Easterner, I find the rupture, the ill-will, the intolerance, the forced conformity, the nasty comments to that which most privately agree is not the ideal to be both bewildering and off putting. What do I know.... I do know that this photo set makes me want to "come and see".
It is stunning. If you know the name of the firm who made this chasuble I would like to share the name with my pastor who even when celebrating the Novus Ordo wears beautiful vestments with the maniple!
TJM and Sophia, these vestments belong to the parish, not me. They are stunning, though. TJM it might take me a while before I find out where these were purchased. The MC told me and that it is here in the USA but I don’t remember who.
On the other hand it is a lovely piece of fabric, but maybe better used for an accent throw pillow or for an accent chair to "liven" up the decor of a room.
The style - "fiddleback" - was denouNCed by St. Charles Borromeo as being contrary to the traditional vesture worn by Catholic priests at mass.
"Saint Charles laid down regulations about the dimensions of vestments for the Sacred Liturgy because, it would seem, he was concerned that the form of the vestments, which had been handed down for centuries, was being cast aside in favour of something convenient and “fashionable”. The chasuble, derived from the Latin word for “a little house” had been for centuries an ample garment. In the 15th and 16th centuries, there had been significant divergence from this Tradition, however, resulting in a form of chasuble that wasn’t ample, but cut right back so that it comprised a sort of narrow pendant, front and back, on the wearer. We know this form of chasuble as the “Roman” or “fiddleback” chasuble, and some claim that this is the form of the chasuble that is truly “traditional”. But Borromeo didn’t think that: he thought it represented a break with Tradition. And he specified the minimum size to which he expected chasubles to conform. They were to be at least 51 inches (130cm) wide and, at the back, they were to reach down almost to the heels of the wearer."
As another commenter said in another blog: "I've seen a smaller priest in one too large and he looked like he was in a sandwich board. It was super distracting all Mass as the movement of his arm would cause the whole back to swing about. Another priest in one too small and it looks like a bib."
The vestments are beautiful. They give your countenance a sort of power, sagacity. Like in the seventh photo where you appear to be calling down that person who left his cellphone on during the homily.
In the Byzantine East, we had a similar "Fiddleback" evolution. Initially, phelonians were conical, similar to the Roman Church. Over time and to enhance movement that was slightly restricted by all that fabric, the front of the phelonian moved up to what's been the "modern version" for centuries now.
The "high back" Russian style (supposedly evolved to provide protection against cold weather and associated drafts:
I always understood the "Fiddleback" to have evolved to provide movement and a break from the heat of Roman summers. I suppose a stiffener was added over time so the fabric that was left wouldn't just hang like a drape.
When I try to get into those huge and tall suvs and monster trucks, I embrace and love running boards, but those buggies are so dang tall I want a whip to whip the dang buggy! So bring on the whips, please!
I try not to give certain people attention so I won't name any names - but this obsession with minimalism as avant garde is yet another "new thing" that is already super old and dated. Perhaps to a priest of a bygone era, foregoing the vestments, incense, etc. is revolutionary and is a virtue to be signaled. To us in the modern era, yeah, we've done that already.
I'm prepared to attend the Mass in a parking lot or a basement at a VFW hall with saltine crackers and bottom shelf merlot. Such things have happened and will happen again. However, while we can, let's use the gifts we have to offer up our best in spirit and in the material.
18 comments:
That chausable has some wow power! Beautiful!
As much as my logical brain tries to like the Novus Ordo, it frustrates me and makes me impatient with its klutzy choreography which leads, in many places, to very sloppy execution in addition to the seemingly unnecessary and honestly annoying ad-libbing. Not a fad for me and not something I have attended for years, the sobriety that I observe leads to a focus that I, personally, find challenging with the NO. Beautiful photos that inspire and draw, at least myself, in.
Perhaps the execution of SP was not what our Benedict XVI envisioned and, obviously, it seems intolerable to the current hierarchy. Why not try a different approach as opposed to alienating such a solid base. Always uneasy, afraid for where the proverbial carpet might be yanked out, I empathize with these adherents as their future was never assured. Why not try a different approach to integrate and share this great treasure?
Long-term, why not simply put the tabernacle back on Roman altars that are freestanding, so little rebuilding would be necessary and as "ordinary" simply celebrate the '62 missal in the vernacular giving Latin (and Greek...don't forget the Kyrie) some pride-of-place. Wouldn't this solve many problems, reorient both the presbyterate and the faithful and eliminate rupture and disorder? It seems that with the potential for schism, those favoring continuity with that which was handed down over the ages should get some consideration. As an Easterner, I find the rupture, the ill-will, the intolerance, the forced conformity, the nasty comments to that which most privately agree is not the ideal to be both bewildering and off putting. What do I know.... I do know that this photo set makes me want to "come and see".
Absolutely gorgeous chasuble. Is it antique, Father McDonald?
It’s new!
Father McDonald,
It is stunning. If you know the name of the firm who made this chasuble I would like to share the name with my pastor who even when celebrating the Novus Ordo wears beautiful vestments with the maniple!
Sophia here: Congratulations Father! Is this exquisitely beautiful new chasuble a Christmas gift to yourself? Thanks for sharing these lovely photos!
TJM and Sophia, these vestments belong to the parish, not me. They are stunning, though. TJM it might take me a while before I find out where these were purchased. The MC told me and that it is here in the USA but I don’t remember who.
Fr K,
Don’t worry these vestments would not look good on you - burlap is your style
Father McDonald,
Thank you!
Fancy, but overly large bib...
On the other hand it is a lovely piece of fabric, but maybe better used for an accent throw pillow or for an accent chair to "liven" up the decor of a room.
The style - "fiddleback" - was denouNCed by St. Charles Borromeo as being contrary to the traditional vesture worn by Catholic priests at mass.
"Saint Charles laid down regulations about the dimensions of vestments for the Sacred Liturgy because, it would seem, he was concerned that the form of the vestments, which had been handed down for centuries, was being cast aside in favour of something convenient and “fashionable”. The chasuble, derived from the Latin word for “a little house” had been for centuries an ample garment. In the 15th and 16th centuries, there had been significant divergence from this Tradition, however, resulting in a form of chasuble that wasn’t ample, but cut right back so that it comprised a sort of narrow pendant, front and back, on the wearer. We know this form of chasuble as the “Roman” or “fiddleback” chasuble, and some claim that this is the form of the chasuble that is truly “traditional”. But Borromeo didn’t think that: he thought it represented a break with Tradition. And he specified the minimum size to which he expected chasubles to conform. They were to be at least 51 inches (130cm) wide and, at the back, they were to reach down almost to the heels of the wearer."
As another commenter said in another blog: "I've seen a smaller priest in one too large and he looked like he was in a sandwich board. It was super distracting all Mass as the movement of his arm would cause the whole back to swing about. Another priest in one too small and it looks like a bib."
The vestments are beautiful. They give your countenance a sort of power, sagacity. Like in the seventh photo where you appear to be calling down that person who left his cellphone on during the homily.
"But Borromeo didn’t think that: he thought it represented a break with Tradition."
From the perspective of 2023, this vestment should be embraced as cutting-edge.
In the Byzantine East, we had a similar "Fiddleback" evolution. Initially, phelonians were conical, similar to the Roman Church. Over time and to enhance movement that was slightly restricted by all that fabric, the front of the phelonian moved up to what's been the "modern version" for centuries now.
The "high back" Russian style (supposedly evolved to provide protection against cold weather and associated drafts:
https://www.liturgix.org/image/data/v/V0092-G521-yellow.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Vadersergistandhart.jpg/220px-Vadersergistandhart.jpg
The so-called "Greek Style":
https://i.etsystatic.com/23507191/r/il/3e433a/3144484580/il_fullxfull.3144484580_fuyk.jpg
I always understood the "Fiddleback" to have evolved to provide movement and a break from the heat of Roman summers. I suppose a stiffener was added over time so the fabric that was left wouldn't just hang like a drape.
Some might embrace buggy whips, running boards, and whale oil lamps as "cutting edge," but...
When I try to get into those huge and tall suvs and monster trucks, I embrace and love running boards, but those buggies are so dang tall I want a whip to whip the dang buggy! So bring on the whips, please!
Fr K,
And some call the killing of the unborn “healthcare.”
I try not to give certain people attention so I won't name any names - but this obsession with minimalism as avant garde is yet another "new thing" that is already super old and dated. Perhaps to a priest of a bygone era, foregoing the vestments, incense, etc. is revolutionary and is a virtue to be signaled. To us in the modern era, yeah, we've done that already.
I'm prepared to attend the Mass in a parking lot or a basement at a VFW hall with saltine crackers and bottom shelf merlot. Such things have happened and will happen again. However, while we can, let's use the gifts we have to offer up our best in spirit and in the material.
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