Post intelligent and civil comments. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the NLM
Is the seven-stepped papal throne something that was standard before the liturgical changes or did the number of steps vary? Is this the first time that it has had seven steps since Paul VI?
Shawn, may God bless you. The Triduum is not a "liturgical commemoration", but a liturgical re-presentation.
Some things are commemorated in the liturgical year. Saints memorials are examples of commemorations. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are not past events we remember, but are ever-present events existing in eternity that are actually made present in the liturgy and entered into by the faithful.
The reduction of our great liturgical celebrations to a series of commemorations is a fairly new, Western, Protestant notion. It is rife in the Missal of Paul VI and has nothing to do with the traditional Catholic understanding. In the Christian East, this notion of liturgy only being a commemoration is completely unknown.
During the Triduum, the Passion of Christ is actually made present. We the faithful are there with him. His three-day burial actually occurs. We witness his descent into Hades. We are there, too, at his glorious resurrection from the dead, destroying death by death and to those in the tombs bestowing life.
The seven acolytes in the procession were a feature of some Papal Masses during the time of Marini the Elder, there's plently of photographic evidence on the internet if anyone cares to look for it.
Our Holy Father, not only is he returning the liturgy to rights by celebrating the Paschal Triduum in the manner in which he has, but he is also re-establishing the papacy's credibility in many peoples' eyes. The use of the papal throne (though I can only count five steps, maybe six, but ah well!) and the recovered solemnity of papal presentation &c. from the flashy, showy, and often wacky display's of the 'old' Marini (!) has affirmed the Pope's spiritual supremacy as a priest, rather than as a celebrity - Marini's presentation of Pope John Paul II, as I see it, was verging far to much on the side of a celebrity cult, rather than a reverence for Christ's Vicar. The use of the 'ferula of Pius XII has contributed, regaining the dignity of tradition from the 'faddy' modernism of the past decades.
However I was a upset to see the papal 'presidential chair' return to it's former place in front of the Altar for the Easter Vigil - if one wants to have a papal throne at all, make it permanent, otherwise don't bother!
+ The blessings of the Risen Lord to you all!
Oh and what's more, at the Maundy Thursday liturgies why were the crucifices not veiled? I thought this is prescribed from Palm (Passion) Sunday onwards? It also destroys the symbolism of the next day, Good Friday, and the unveiling of the Cross becomes meaningless, because it hasn't been veiled in the first place!
And on the subject of the ferula - perhaps, if the Holy Father is going to wear Baroque, or Rennaisance vestments and use Baroque or Rennaisance altar plate, surely having a Gothic ferula doesn't quite fit in. Perhaps a slightly more Baroque one could be procured for those times when everything around is overwhelmingly Baroque! there's a bit of a mish-mash of liturgical styles going on!
+ The blessings of the Risen Lord to you all!
FIVE-stepped throne!
I can't see seven steps.
Wonderful Triddum indeed.
Just please remember that "celebrity cult, rather than a reverence for Christ's Vicar" of John Paul the Great brought down th Communist Empire.
That "roadshow" was a blitzkreig in the hands of OL Fatima.
Th Benedictine Revolution is Part II
We live ina wonderful time!
Happy Easter
A few responses, regarding the steps, true enough, there are five steps. I really only intend to highlight the traditional style of throne, even if in a different placement. I'll modify to make this more accurate. I was writing this as I was preparing to leave for Mass.
Re: commemoration. The Mass is of course a re-presentation, but I am simply speaking of commemoration in the spiritual sense of meditating upon the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. I am talking of a spiritual approach here, not about the sacramental realities of the Mass.
Adam, re the seven acolytes; its not something I particularly noticed under Piero Marini, but its possible, which is why I didn't say we had never seen any of these things before. For example, in the earlier years of the JP2 pontificate we did see a baroque form of chasuble (as well as fanon) used.
However, what is key here is that these things are happening in a quite concentrated way as part of a clear program on the part of Pope Benedict XVI.
That said, can you provide us with those pictures?
"...re the seven acolytes; its not something I particularly noticed under Piero Marini, but its possible, which is why I didn't say we had never seen any of these things..."
Mr. Tribe - you have only to look as far back as the Mass of Inauguration for Benedict XVI - Piero Marini used the seven candles in the entrance procession on that occasion - but he also used them once in a while before too - I hope we will see them more regularly now - perhaps this might remind Ordinaries around the world that they have a right to use them as well under the reformed Ceremoniale Episcoporum, as well as the seventh candlestick on the altar, the cappa magna on some occasions, etc. - I bet most are oblivious to this. Great coverage and commentary of the Triduum, thank you kindly for all your hard work and dedication. A blessed Easter to all!
Again, which is why I was careful not to suggest these were not new restorations not seen since the Council.
There is a difference here however that you note; this is part of a more concentrated pattern, and that is ultimately the point of this re-cap; that and to help people realize what good things we have just witnessed on that front.
The Holy Father wearing a WHITE Mozzetta (today)!
http://fotografiafelici.com/inde...&
n_page=14#foto
Thank you, Shawn, for this fine post on the divine imperative of beauty. It is necessary and well expressed. There has been far more to thank God for than to blame during the keeping of the Triduum in Rome this year. It is astonishing what has been achieved in a short time and things will continue to get better. My prayer is that it will slowly influence the cathedrals and parishes of the world and have lasting results.
As others have said, this is part of the consolidation of the foundations laid by Pope John Paul II. His and Pope Benedict XVI's reign should be considered as complementary and one.
Anonymous: Thanks for the tip, I have just put up a post.
Shawn,
Just two examples of the seven acolytes:
http://www.fotografiafelici.com
13/04/06 Messa in Cena Domini
05/04/07 Messa in Cena Domini
The seven acolytes also appeared at various Capella Papale during Pope Wojtyla's time, including, if I recall correctly, the opening of the Holy Door at the Vatican basilica in 1999, but probably on that occasion folks were too distracted by the infamous gaudy cope to notice anything else.
Adam,
Excellent. Thank you for putting that together.
Shawn,
In respect to the comments in your penultimate paragraph, there was an interesting note on another blog a couple of weeks ago reporting on an interview with a cleric connected with the Heralds of the Gospel who indicated that there was a group of several of those close to H.H., including his Secretary and Mgr. Marini, who have sought out and are consulting on a continuing basis those in Rome personally knowledgable about the details and mechanics of liturgical celebration in the Vatican prior to the late 60's. One of those apparently consulted is an elderly priest connected with the Heralds. The indication seemed to be that there are many more changes that are in the process of being worked out. If I recall, the note mentioned several others besides Mgrs. Ganswein and Marini though I do not now recall who they were. If the report is accurate, it is interesting that Mgr. Ganswein has some involvement in the process.
It was interesting to see the Roman Chasuble return Good Friday.
But I feel a bit disappointed overall, particularly with Easter Sunday. Modern Gothic Chasuble and Mitres worn the remainder of the triduum(although better style). Also-Why do they insist on holding outdoor masses in terrible weather? Especially when there is a huge empty basilica available. Also sorry to see the white chair return. Urbi et Orbi was dismal.
MDB: This note you are referring to was posted here on the NLM, see http://thenewliturgicalmovement....s-in-
papal.html
The same arrangement of the altar - seven candles and crucifix at the center - was used reintroduced at St. Mary Mayor for this triduum. There were also seven acolytes with candles during entry the procession and two thuribles for the Gospel's procession and the consecration.
Seven acolytes at St Mary Major? But I thought the seven acolytes custom was reserved for the diocesan bishop?
Good idea, Shawn. Let's recapitulate:
Palm Sunday: Beautiful new (old) staff, beautiful cope and dalmatics, the three pointed Leo XIII "formale", "Benedictine" altar arrangement for the first time at St. Peter's Square! Too simple chasuble.
Chrism Mass: Seven acolytes (Good. It seems they are once again present at every Papal Mass at the Vatican, just like the old days). Did anyone notice that the Pope was holding his staff while he was sitting and renewing the ordination promises to the priests? I think this is a new, marvellous detail which emphasises the episcopal authority at moments like this.
Mass of the Last Supper: Again the mitre of Bl. Pius IX!!! Wonderful. Nice traditional decorations in the chasuble (we have seen it at the Feast of Christ the King last year), but overall too plain. The "Benedictine" altar arrangement looks great at the Lateran. Curious the Pope wore the gremiale for the washing of the feet. I thought it was worn only when the holy oils are used. But then the Pope wore it also when putting the ashes on Ash Wednesday. Ombrellino used again!!!(we saw it already at Vespers on December 31 last year). Also, at Fotografia Felici we can see that the Pope arrived at the Lateran dressed in choro, with his ermine-trimmed mozzeta. Very solemn. After all, it is the Bishop who is arriving at his Cathedral for a Solemn Mass.
Good Friday: Roman chasuble! (I almost broke in tears when I saw it). And, again, the tall papal "mitra simplex". Also, all the readings chanted, and in latin. Wow! I expected the Holy Father to prostrate at the beginning, like last year. He knelt. Well, that's alright. Regarding the chasuble (which obviously is the matching chasuble for the cope and chalice veil we saw on Palm Sunday: Mistery solved!), I wonder if the Pope chose it just because this is the only ceremony in which he wears a chasuble without pallium. I hope not, and I really don't mind if Benedict's pallium looks strange with a fiddleback. Also, a pity that he didn't wore pontifical dalmatic (yes, I know it cannot be worn this day), which would have looked great with this kind of chasuble. Curious that the only day, so far, he wore a similar type of chasuble was Ash Wednesday, the other great penitential day in the Church's calendar.
Easter Vigil: Nice detail to have the Pope hold his staff at various moments: when he descended to the baptismal font and back again, when he asked the neophytes about their faith and when he confirmed them. Again, episcopal authority emphasised. Vestments? Much better than previous years, but they can still improve.
Easter Sunday: That rain!!!!!! Because of it, the papal throne in the elevated dias wasn't used (and I suppose they used the white armchair instead of the red and gold Pius X throne in front of the altar so as to not expose that treasure to the rain, even under that white roof). Also, the Urbi et Orbi blessing had to be given from the altar instead of the loggia. So the great Leo XIII throne wasn't used either, like in Christmas. And those simple vestment were for sure used for the same reason: so as to not damage the more precious ones that I am sure were meant to be used on that solemn day. Oh, what a great sadness... I hope we will see those vestments soon at another ceremony. Well, Don Guido (did someone notice the expression he had during the ceremony? A mixture of sadness, desolation and disappointment. He too lamented the weather for the same reasons) may learn something from this experience: when you have an opportunity to use nice vestments, use them. If you reserve them for a future occasion, the weather may ruin it all (;)).
Some final observations: the papal asterisk was again used at Masses at the Sqare: on Palm Sunday I just inferred it by a movement the Holy Father made so as to cover the paten, but at Easter Sunday the camera showed it clearly at one moment. So it seems they use it at every Papal Mass at St. Peter's Sqare. Good.
The faldstool was present every time the Pope knelt these days. Excellent. A beautiful traditional custom brought back.
And did you notice the albs of the assisting deacons? On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday there were lace albs for the Cardinal-deacons, and they were the same ones, and both of them identical! And on Holy Thursday at the Lateran, the young assisting deacons also had lace albs (again, identical). What does this mean? It means that these albs were MADE for the assisting deacons (whoever they are) and hence we will see them permanently from now on. Good, Don Guido! I knew more lace would be slowly introduced in papal ceremonies again.
All in all, a huge improvement, and in a few months! What will we see in the years to come? Deo gratias!
Yes the rain really did ruin easter sunday,,but the service should of been moved into the basilica. did anyone notice the awning used for the outdoor mass was a new one with heaters in the roof and small lights. No doubt last minute changes made for poor weather. Overall very good signs though..some things,,The Prince Assistant to the Papal Throne, was once always present..alongside the throne..The office still exists..and he should be present. Also The Papal Gentlemen,,once escorted the pope on entry to the Basilica,now rarely seen, they should be brought walking before the papal procession to usher the popes presence.
The Swiss Guards play a minimal role currently compared to 60's. At least two captains or sergeants in burgundy uniform should walk along side Pope on entrance and exit.
Cardinal Deacon assisting at Mass should wear humeral veil and cope at altar.
CON CELEBRANTS- should end,, only the Pope is the celebrant-all non celebrating bishops should wear cope and mitre only not chusable.
Also, There is another Gold and Red throne I have seen used in formal Pictures of Paul VI and JP I does anyone know what it is called.
John,
That white awning isn't really very new: it has been used for more than a year. I agree: due to the weather the ceremony ought to have been moved inside the Basilica (isn't that what they did for the public Consistory and Mass of the rings last November?).
Yes, the office of Prince Assistant to the Papal Throne still exists, but I think his presence near the Pope at Mass would be related to more temporal and earthly aspects of papal ceremonial which have been deliberately eliminated nowadays from papal liturgies. In other words, papal liturgies do not reflect anymore the temporal power of the Pope.
The Swiss Guard, on the other hand, DO still play a significant role on papal ceremonies. They march at the opening and closing of papal processions at every Papal Mass. (Maybe the TV coverage does not always show this).
The assisting Cardinal-deacons have never worn copes and humeral veils at a Papal Mass. They wear dalmatics. I think you are confusing with the mitre and staff bearers in a Solemn Pontifical Mass, which in the case of a Papal Mass are patriarchs or archbishops, and they do wear cope and humeral veil.
Concelebrants are a feature of Novus Ordo Masses, whether we like it or not. Of course there should not be an abuse of concelebrations, but I think we have seen a substantial reduction of concelebrated Papal Masses recently. As for non concelebrating cardinals and bishops, their prescribed dress is the choir dress: cassock, rochet, mozzetta and biretta.
The two gold and red thrones we have recently seen being used by Pope Benedict are the Pius X throne (at Masses) and the huge Leo XIII one (at the public Consistory, the two December Vespers and the Urbi et Orbi). There is one more big throne that appears in some photos of recent Popes, with the coat of arms of Bl. Pius IX. I don't know if it is still around. Anyway, I ignore if this kind of throne has a specific name at all.
Speaking of curial offices, during the Adoration of the Cross on Good Friday at St. Peter's, I noticed a gentleman dressed in etiquette between the bishops and monsigniori, who went with them to the altar. Does someone know who is he? Maybe he is the Prince Assistant to the Papal Throne?
I am aware of the reduction Temporal displays since Vat II,I dont agree that it is really right. The Pope is still Head of State of the Vatican City and is entitled to ritual associated with that all be it reduced as there is no longer a full papal court since 1970. The Prince assistant should be re introduced to formal papal occasions so to should the Papal Gentlemen. Also regarding the swiss guard,Im aware that they are present still, but this presence is very minimal compared to pre. 1970. If you compare formal entrance of Holy Father 1950's to now, the Swiss guard captains and sergeants always walked alongside sedia. sergeants with large upturned swords. Captain in Burgundy Tunic. I understand they now dress in black suits as part of low key body guard. As the noble guard is no longer around a closer ceremonial guard should be present.
Thanks re deacons i wasnt sure if it was them , or bishops mitre and staff bearers.
I really hope con celebration is reduced.
Yes the other gold throne bears the papal arms of Pius IX, it was used for both JP I and JPII in early 1978 portraits then dissapearded Im sure its around.
There is another one that had gold papal arms and trim and white cloth currently used in the Apostolic Palace.
Also in up to late 1960's 2 offcials in cappa magna carried the Tiara and an additional Papal Mitre in procession these were then placed on the altar.Id like to see that back .
even if it just the Precious Mitre.
Indeed, John. I personally would love to see the full papal ceremonial restored too. Maybe someday. Step by step. At least we have much more dignified papal liturgies with Msgr. Guido Marini.
Yes, I have seen too that white and gold papal chair with papal arms. It is used frequently in papal audiences, mainly in the Clementine Hall. I wonder whose papal arms are those.
The placing of the mitres (and tiara) on the altar is a feature of the old Pontifical High Mass, and it is unlikely to be done at Novus Ordo Masses. The "additional" mitre is because the precious one is often too heavy for the bishop to wear it during the whole ceremony, so a lighter one (the "auriphrygata") is used instead. Our Holy Father has indeed worn some precious mitres: one last used by John Paul I, at the Christmas Urbi et Orbi last year; one of Benedict XV at Vespers on December 31 2007, and one made for him in April 2007 for his 80th birthday, worn again at Christmas Mass 2007.
Yes Gustav, I recall the Installation mass of John Paul I in 1978, and the use of the Gold Mitre, there was great controversy at the time at the disposal of the full coronation. A scaled down ceremony was held instead based around a Mass however a Precious Mitre, was still used along with Sedia. John Paul II disposed of both of these.
Yes we have seen large improvements under P.P. Ben XVI. I see it as far wiser to use the huge store of historical and classical vestments in the Vatican Stores rather than manufacture modern designs.
Yes the white throne used in the clemintine hall is well used, although Im sure it orginally had red upholstery. There was another White Chair that was introduced in 1978 at JPI installation mass. It is large with Gold type feathers on the top ends of the back piece and round gold decalls on the arm rests. I had not seen it for years and then it appeared at Benedicts Installation day when the Crown Heads of Europe paid his respects in St Peters after the mass.
Yes the recent use of classic mitre and copes has been great, Im sure there are many more impressive vestments in the sacristy.
Your right that there is a reluctance to use many of the past traditions at the Pauline Mass, including Tiara and Mitre on altar,Communion at the Throne, use of Fanon, Gauntlets, also Servers kissing Popes ring after Hand Washing, Proper elevation,use of Bishops Bearers in Humeral Veil, etc. But there really is no reason why these cant be used as it does not affect the rubrics of the mass.
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