Praxiteles
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And another example dating from 1712 in the sacristy of the Poor Clare Convent in Galway, a fine chasuble, French silk with Irish embroidery depicting the annunciation on the front and the exaltation of the Holy Eucharist (influenced by Raphael’s Disputa in the Stanze Vaticane) with King David on the back.
From the sacristy of Mullingar Cathedral – or it least it was there up to recently – this chasuble which dates fromt he mid- 17th century and is said to have belonged to Oliver Plunkett.
The vestments of the Honan Chapel in Cork produced, mainly, by the Dun Emar Guild can be seen here together with much inferior quality junk that have been added to them in recent years:
Here are the Austrian Vestments given to Maynooth College in 1879 by the Empress Elizabeth who was stayng at SUmmerhill House nearby on a hunting expeditioin. They were in the College Chapel for all major feats until c. 1950 when a copy set was made and the originals put in the museum.
However, this is only a part of the suite for it also contains a dalmatic, tunicle, cope and humeral veil. The set was made in Vienna on clothe of gold decorated with green shamorck. At the front edge of the chasuble are the Imperial arms of Austria and Lothringen marshelled with WIttelsbach of Bavaria from which house the Empress Elizabeth was born. She was assassinated in Geneva in September 1898.
As an example of whct Praxiteles is talking about, here is a set of vestments made by the silk workers of Lyons in France. It was presentd to Pope Pius IX who used these vestments for the opening of the First Vatican Council in December 1869.
The craftsmen and women who made these vestments probably also made vestments that were to be found in many of the sacristies of Ireland – but, where are they?
These examples are kept in the sacristy of St Peter’s Basilica.
An aspect of Irish church fittings and furnishings thta we have hardly touched upon on this thred over the past three years is that of the liturgical contents of church sacrsities. Often they contained some of the most magnificent textiles and metal work in Ireland. Carefully assembled from the early to middle 18th century right up to recent times, parochial collections typically featured Spanish, Italian, Flemish and, above all, French work of the highest squality. Much of the earliest stuff was Spanish, French and Italian. Typically, from the mid 19th century on, such material was drawn from England, Ireland as well as France, Flanders and Spain – and occasionally from Grmany and Austria (e.g. the magificent set of vestments given to Maynooth College by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria in 1879). By the 20th century, material mostly came from Ireland, England and France.
It was the custom to store and care for these items. However, what can only be described as a saccage has gone on in Ireland in very recent time with some of the most valuable works being either dumpde or destroyed without any consideration for their artistic quality and importance.
The most recent round of “clearances” has gone on under the guise of sacristy extensions or renovations which are used as excuses to consign much of this materila to the skip -which Cork Couty Council will insist should be covered. As an example, Praxiteles can point to the sacristy of Cobh Cathedral where it is no longer possible to see anything other than cheap (grimy and sweat saoked) subbish bought off the rack in some hiucksters shop. It appears that while the HACKERS were doing repairs tot he sacristy in Cobh, they took the opportunity to rid the place of 150 years of pontifical clutter – the kind of thing that Richard “Hacker” Hurley would consider should get door with the Victorian jacks fittings. So where has everything gone?
It is all too sad. Just where did things go wrong for the person responsible for the last time the Roman Pontiff was vested in the fanone at the monastery of Santa Cecilia in Rome!
Cobh Cathedral, Cobh, Co. Cork
The latest we hear from the Cobh Cathedral saga is the installation of something akin to a kitchen unit behind the High Altar. The unit is approximately 5 feet wide and about six feet high. It is divided into three parts: the lower part has three presses; the central part has a sink and wash-top: and the upper part (in what appears to be an attempt at concretising Richard “Wrecker” Hurley’s doddering about “domisticity”) for all the world resembles a rustic dresser with presses concealing pigeon-holes to be used for some unknown purpose. The unit, of course, has running water: both in and out – which must have required the drilling of a bew more holes in the floor and walls of the sanctuary.
It now appears that this was installed without any planning permission or indeed witout even a declaration of exemption. This is a new category which seems to be coming in wide use in Cork and allows for all sorts of things to happen – up to and including the demolition of protected strustures in whole or part.
When asked about the “domestic” appliances fitted at the back of the High Altar in Cobh Cathedral, as usual, the know-nothing Cobh Urban District Council knew nothing about it. In order to satisty those who wanted to know something about it, our Italian friend, who acts as an architect for the Urban District Council, Signor Cacciotti, was despatched to the Cathedral. Reports have it that he compiled another of his extensive (but well illustrated) reports on Cobh cathedral – if you recall, he did a previous one which, AFTER 847 PAGES, came to the remarkable conclusion that the doors had not been painted for some time. This time. El Gran Segnor discovered what appears to be the vanguard for the installation of a chipper behind the High Altar. Presumably, he looked at it, considered it, pondered it, measured it -perhaps- contemplated it, ruminated about it, meditated on it, and finally came to an even more shocking conclusion in this latest report – the kitchen sink was a thing of beauty of and joy forever and, as such, not only did not impinge in any way on the architectural integrity of Cobh Cathedral, BUT, in fact, it even managed to improve on it – shades there of the great Prof. O’Beill’s efforts to improve on Pugin. While I suppose one could have some sort of comprehension for El Gran Segnor’s enthusiasm for the kitchen sink behind the High Altar in Cobh Cathedral – given the boyish fascination of Italians for automated gadgets (especially when connected with chippers) that has been nurtured at least from the time of Leonardo’s automota – but the concommitant enthuasism of the Cork County Conservation Officer FOR the domestic approach to sacred space leaves us wondering about the inquadration of his aesthetic outlook – indeed, we could ask if there is one.
Then of course, there is the case of the revetment of the credance tables to the side of the High Altar. This is done in red marble – as you would expect. The problem is that the revetment on the south creadnce table has been smashed and a large section of the revetment noW sits on the table it self. Well, Kojack Cachiotti in his investigation of matters tells us that this was broken 20 years ago – and you do not need planning permission or declaration for that either. Remarkably, he had nothing to say about doing anything about it. Obviously, the know-nothing Cobh Urban Distruict Council knew nothing about it and did not know what to do about it and not knowing how to read -even Signor Cacchiotti’s extensive but well illustrated reports- probably had to distract some of the people usually engaged in the adult literacy programmes to explain the puzzling squiggles to them before returning their heads to the tranquility of the sand.
Just reveived a copy of the Friends of St. Colman’s Cathedral 2009 Calendar.
It contains some beautiful external pictures of the Cathedral taken from different locations and at different periods during the year.
The modest price of Euro 5 will be useful, I am sure, in the coming months should it become necessary to mount a second campaign against the Cloyne HACKERS.
Following on the lobsided Conference jointly held in Ballincollig last Friday by Cork County Council and the Cloyne HACK, on the delicate issue of Heritage and Liturgical Requirements, it now emerges that the Department of the Environment is sponsoring another such Conference on a similar subject which will take place at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin, on 16 October.
It also appears that this particular meeting will be conducted in even greater reserve than the Ballincollig Conference. Participants will be present by INVITATION ONLY.
In a remarkable turn of events, it appears that the liturgical interests of the CATHOLIC CHURCH will be represented by none other than the ubiquituous ALEX WHITE.
If we all remember, he is a member of the Cork diocesan HACK and also of the Cloyne HACK. But what, might one ask, in the circumstances, qualifies Alex White to represent the Catholic Church at a gathering such as this: He is not a theologian; he is not a Canon Lawyer; he is not a liturgist, he does not even have the lucky-bag Honorary Doctorate issued by the remnant theology faculty of Maynooth to Richard Hurley!! So what is Alex doing representing anyone but his own daft ideas? ANd whcy does the Minister of the Environment want to hear daft ideas from Alex about a subject in which he no right to proffer a professional liturgical opinion?
Hmmmmm
@tomahawk wrote:
Sam,
As I have stated previously I was indifferent to the present row. The reason I entered this debate was because of the hypocritical attitude of some people using this site who have spent a long time being offensive and abusive to those they disagree with, however when they meet those people in a face to face setting they are courteous and charming.Of course if they didnt have the cover of a web name we wouldnt see half of these posts. I do agree with you that people are genuinely concerned with the fabric of the building I also believe that that concern is shared by people on both sides of the argument and I can say this because I have spoken to people from both sides. I wouldnt be a conspiricy theorist and believe that every move the authorities make has to be examined in detail for the hidden agenda. This should not be a them and us situation, if we leave out the re-ordering for a moment and concentrate on maintenance can we not agree everybody is on the same side.If we can manage to overcome that one who knows maybe we may find some bit of common ground on the bigger issue.I am convinced that as long as we have abuse and smart-ass comments we wont have progress on any issue.Well, as you know there are horses for courses and courses for horses. It is true for example that Prof. O’Beill is a most charming, cultivated and corteous perrson – the sort of person with whom one could spend many hours of urbane conversation. Disappointingly, however, he would see no dificulty about gutting Cobh Cathedral and reducing its imterior to a television chat show stage setting. How does one explain thtis kind of dichotomy?
Everyone is agreed on the lack of maintenance in Cobh Cathedral. All but the blind can see that it is crumbling – indeed collapsing in parts. Every effort has been made to try and cause a bit of paint to be put on the doors – but nothing happens.
The Urban District Council is clearly out of its depth on this issue – once again. The Restoration Committee is swamped and way out of its depth. The Cloyne HACK is crippled by dementia. The local clergy are not up to it. The Conservayion Officer acting for the the Cobh Urban District Council does not seem to mind anythjig happening there. The County engineer is happy to see the place converted into a chipper. So, where do we start with the thing we all agree on?
I propose that a Section 59 be served and just bring in the best available conservationists to do work and then seend the bill to the TRUSTEES!
@tomahawk wrote:
There are a number of sitting councillors who support the changes and will be going forward for re-election next June. They are not “single issue “candidates but their position on the issue is well known.
I am glad wehave that on record. June could well bring a stella nocens.
@tomahawk wrote:
The silent majority do not view it as destruction!
Try a few of those on a Cathedral re-ordering ticket at the next local elections in Cobh and see how far they go! Only a suggestion.
@Praxiteles wrote:
I wonder is Seasoltz (left) standing before the portae infernorum which must always be kept tightly shut. This image may indeed be “sacramental” – containing something of what it signifies !!
On reflection, it is more a case of Hannibal ad portas!!! “Fire door. Keep shut”
@tomahawk wrote:
The three lay members of FOSCC who accompanied Praxitelles to the conference were neither clerics or councillors!!
Tommyhack! is not this getting a little boring? Do not let’s be so childish!
@Praxiteles wrote:
This is the YOUTHFUL aspect of future liturgy presented at the Ballincollig Conference!
I wonder is Seasoltz (left) standing before the portae infernorum which must always be kept tightly shut. This image may indeed be “sacramental” – containing something of what it signifies !!
@samuel j wrote:
apelles here is a link to RTEs nationwide site where you can see it again
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1006/nationwide_av.html?2432258,null,228
Cngratulations to Randal Hodginson on what looks like a superb piece of restoration in the Redemptorist church in Limerick.
Praxiteles believes that there will soon be a business expansion in this line of work as soon as we can finally shuffle off the few remaining liturgical dinausaurs left over from the 1970s.
Keep up the good work.
@Praxiteles wrote:
The Cloyne HACK’s bold initiative on home improved church interiors has reached the Cloyne diocesan webpage this evening. Here is what they have to say:
Dr. Kevin Seasoltz and Bishop Magee at the Conference
On Fri. Oct. 3rd., a Conference on Places of Worship took place at the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork at which Planners, Heritage specialists, Church persons responsible for the care of historic buildings came together to share concerns over their mutual responsibilities. Some 200 persons attended.The opening address by Dr. Richard Hurley, Architect, was followed by a talk by Prof. Kevin Seasoltz OSB on the development of worship and its settings through the ages. Fr. Paddy Jones spoke on the present situation affecting the adaptation of historic Church Buildings in Ireland. Table discusions followed these presentations, with reporting back to the assembly.
After lunch the gathering was addressed by Ms. Nessa Roche in place of Naoise Connolly. She presented the scope of heritage protection in the built environment. This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Mona Hallinan titled As Little as Possible, as Much as Neccessary. In her address Ms. Hallinan outlined the present legislation and its implications for churches. Again, table discussion and reporting followed.
Chairperson, Ms. Tricia Tracey, Denior Planner , Cork Co. Council, thankede all for their contributions and welcomed the coming together. She saw the event as a first step in ongoing meetings between the parties involved in the care of historic churches.
This is the YOUTHFUL aspect of future liturgy presented at the Ballincollig Conference!
The Cloyne HACK’s bold initiative on home improved church interiors has reached the Cloyne diocesan webpage this evening. Here is what they have to say:
Dr. Kevin Seasoltz and Bishop Magee at the Conference
On Fri. Oct. 3rd., a Conference on Places of Worship took place at the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork at which Planners, Heritage specialists, Church persons responsible for the care of historic buildings came together to share concerns over their mutual responsibilities. Some 200 persons attended.The opening address by Dr. Richard Hurley, Architect, was followed by a talk by Prof. Kevin Seasoltz OSB on the development of worship and its settings through the ages. Fr. Paddy Jones spoke on the present situation affecting the adaptation of historic Church Buildings in Ireland. Table discusions followed these presentations, with reporting back to the assembly.
After lunch the gathering was addressed by Ms. Nessa Roche in place of Naoise Connolly. She presented the scope of heritage protection in the built environment. This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Mona Hallinan titled As Little as Possible, as Much as Neccessary. In her address Ms. Hallinan outlined the present legislation and its implications for churches. Again, table discussion and reporting followed.
Chairperson, Ms. Tricia Tracey, Denior Planner , Cork Co. Council, thankede all for their contributions and welcomed the coming together. She saw the event as a first step in ongoing meetings between the parties involved in the care of historic churches.
For anyone interested, here is the whole text and nothing but the text of Spe Salvi- and I leave the context to the reader’s determination:
Providence and great thinking minds are remarkable things. I was on my way to post an interesting excerpt from Spe Salvi, Benedict XVI’s encycle on Hope, when I encountered the outburst which, remarkably, piruetted on the very topic Praxiteles was about to address – the future.
III. Judgement as a setting for learning and practising hope
41. At the conclusion of the central section of the Church’s great Credo—the part that recounts the mystery of Christ, from his eternal birth of the Father and his temporal birth of the Virgin Mary, through his Cross and Resurrection to the second coming—we find the phrase: “he will come again in glory to judge the living and the deadâ€. From the earliest times, the prospect of the Judgement has influenced Christians in their daily living as a criterion by which to order their present life, as a summons to their conscience, and at the same time as hope in God’s justice. Faith in Christ has never looked merely backwards or merely upwards, but always also forwards to the hour of justice that the Lord repeatedly proclaimed. This looking ahead has given Christianity its importance for the present moment. In the arrangement of Christian sacred buildings, which were intended to make visible the historic and cosmic breadth of faith in Christ, it became customary to depict the Lord returning as a king—the symbol of hope—at the east end; while the west wall normally portrayed the Last Judgement as a symbol of our responsibility for our lives—a scene which followed and accompanied the faithful as they went out to resume their daily routine. As the iconography of the Last Judgement developed, however, more and more prominence was given to its ominous and frightening aspects, which obviously held more fascination for artists than the splendour of hope, often all too well concealed beneath the horrors.
