Father, you were fortunate indeed to have such a teacher. Boy those folks in the "establishment" sound like real loons. How could they be opposed to the preferred order of the Missal itself? Tom
I'm glad to see you write this, because the only way I know Bishop Vigneron is by way of the cathedral he built in Oakland which is extremely depressing. I know he is proud of it, but it was really a tragic missed opportunity to build something beautiful. I've seen some very interesting counter-proposals from students at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture which really make me feel even sicker about what they built. What are your thoughts on the Oakland Cathedral?
We're uber-happy to have Bishop Vigneron coming. It'll take some time to make things right, but we're excited here in the AoD
Mr. Kloska,
It is extremely important to keep in mind in re the Oakland Cathedral that not only were the plans completed by Bp. Vigneron's predecessor, Bp. Cummins, but any substantial change in those plans would have been very expensive, and given the economy, cost prohibitive. That being said, Bp. Vigneron did his best to shed the iconoclastic tendencies that were prevalent in the original design, pushing for the incorporation of the Chartres Pantocrator image, and other touches. I assure you, the design was not of his choosing, and he had real, financial limits to what he could change. It is terribly unfair that he should be saddled with the blame. He is a gentleman, and would naturally refrain from any negative comments concerning the cathedral design, out of deference to his predecessor.
I am very sure that if Bp. V had a completely free hand in the design of a cathedral, it would definitely not look like Oakland's cathedral, but more like Chartres.
Fr. Stanley,
Thank you for your insight. I was discouraged when I first heard this announcement, but this is good news from you. Do you think that this is the general consensus or would your view be considered somewhat debatable? I ask in true sincerity as I admit I do not know the situation well.
Um, I live and work in the Diocese of Oakland.
I do not know who Fr. Stanley is but he is working on incomplete knowledge of the situation and the assumptions he is making are not the case.
Oakland had been without a Cathedral for nearly 20 years. Bp. Cummins started a process, but there were no funds, and the design by Calatrava did not meet anyone's acceptance. When Vigneron arrived, the cathedral project was dead in the water.
After Vigneron arrived, new architect, new design, and a fresh bishop with a vision that saw the fundrasing take off without burdening the parishes.
Anyone who is judging the building by the pictures has a superficial approach to the place. Yes, I am not fond of the way it appears first of all on the outside, but the affect is growing on me.
The inside is beautiful!!!
The place has its faults like any new building. Heaven's, I have an old building built in 58 I would love to trade for the Cathedral.
Singing in the Cathedral is a joy. The sound of a full congregation singing a hymn is marvelous.
Watching the plumes of incense rise to the heavens from the altar is inspiring.
There is much grace and beauty in the place. I am a pastor of a church at the other end of the diocese, and I am tired of hearing this sad commentary from commentators and commenters on blogs who have never been in the building and seen all the traditional touches as well as the modern ones.
Go see it. Go worship there. Spend some time in the chapels. Walk the beautiful stations of the cross. Then comment on the building.
Vigneron is a great Bishop. I will miss him much. But from one who worked with him (I composed the psalm setting for the Dedication) I would ask all commenters from speaking negatively of our Cathedral until they have come to worship with us.
Hey yall, Jesus here.
You've strayed to far from my teachings. I am not the son of God, get over it.
Things are looking up for the Church in Michigan! The bishops in the state and the U.S. keep getting better and better. The church in Michigan has been through some rough times, but the new springtime is changing that, slowly but surely. God bless Bishop Vigneron in his new ministry, and also let us pray for the good Bishop Murray and a worthy successor for Kalamazoo when he retires.
fake jesus u r wrong.
i like to lick poop.
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