Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

@Praxiteles wrote:

St. Francis, Liberty Street, Cork

I particularly appreciate the symbolism of the facade of St Francis, Liberty Street.

The main portal is divided by five Roman arches – each representative of the five wounds of the stigmata borne by St Francis. Note the seven arches above these: the seven sacraments of the New Law – those outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace and participation in His Paschal Mystery. The Paschal Mystery itself is proclaimed strikingly near the top of the facade in the form of the Cross of San Damiano. This is the crucifix before which St Francis was praying when he heard the voice of Christ bid him “Francis, restore my Church.” Thinking that the voice meant for him to restore the crumbling church of san Damiano, Francis at once set about gathering stones to repair the church building. He came to understand, however, that the invitation was more daunting: Francis was to play a crucial role, along with St Dominic, in the revival of Catholic practice in thirteenth-century Europe and beyond.

I need not mention that Francis, although a genuine lover of God’s creatures, did not mar his architectural surroundings by designing and planting weird gardens with odd-looking lawn gnomes and other pests. He had the work of the Church to do: preaching the Gospel in season and out of season, living the ascetic life, practising penance, engaging in works of charity. In other words Francis built up the Church by caring for the living stones who comprise the Church. The pope of the day, Innocent III (reigned 1198-1216), had the wisdom and grace to recognise in Dominic and Francis the zeal of true Catholic Christian working under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

The facade of the Church of St Francis, Liberty Street, is an eloquent sermon in brick and mortar. It delivers a compelling catechesis before the visitor even sets foot inside the door.