February 15, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

“Ever Ancient and Ever New” – was the title of a workshop on Church Art and Architecture at a conference I attended shortly after I was ordained a priest. I would like to borrow that succinct phrase: “Ever Ancient and Ever New” to summarize my second week of sabbatical experience.

We had 3 wonderful presenters, all experts in their fields. At beginning of the week we had Monsignor James Moroney, from the committee who worked on the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal. He was also the former US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretary for the Liturgy. He is a graduate of the North American College and did his Doctoral work at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He talked to us about ourselves as priest and our identity as the leaders and priests of the liturgy. The role of the priest who offers sacrifice to God dates back to our ancient Jewish ancestors. We also discussed and reflected upon our first few months of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal. It was good that we could ask candid questions about the translation and word order of the prayers in the new missal.

Monsignor Moroney also talked about and gave us a tour of the “basilica” architecture. He explained their connection to the Roman Temples and why they faced east to let the morning sun into a windowless structure through the open door. The judge holding court or the priest celebrating mass would need to be in the sun light. Besides his expert knowledge, he imparted a very pastoral perspective and was full of fun and informative stories. He truly was a joy to be with. He reminded us that we are to make the ever ancient ever new for the worshiping assembly.

On Thursday, we were led by Fr. Craig Morrison in the Order of Carmelites. He teaches scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. His primary interest is translating the Hebrew Scriptures, which we commonly call the Old Testament. His seminar is called: “The Art of Reading the Bible for Preaching.” He helped us look at the scriptures from a “narrative” perspective. We looked this week mainly at the Gospels. He had us ask ourselves questions like: “why did the evangelist tell us that detail?” Or “what do you think he wanted us to feel by saying it that way?” Fr. Craig will be back in the upcoming weeks – so we can keep looking at the scriptures with fresh eyes. They are ever ancient and ever new.

On Friday we had the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. We were guided by Elizabeth Lev, an Art Historian, Professor, and Tour Guide of Ancient Rome. They provided us with headsets so we could hear Liz narrate as we looked at particular art. It is amazing the service the church has provided for preserving such masterpieces. In the years before the Renaissance, the Pope opened wide the doors of the Vatican Collection so artists from around the world could be inspired. Liz’s obvious favorite artist is Michelangelo and his work on the Pieta, David and the Sistine Chapel. She described how Michelangelo was inspired by the Greek and Roman sculptures and how he improved upon their technique to provide to the world some of the most captivating art in order for us to worship God in the world. She also will be returning as one of our instructors.

I also had the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain for the weekend. I have always wanted to see the Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia). It was designed and architected by Spanish Artist Antoni Gaudí. He started construction in 1892. Gaudi died 20 years into the project. Others have picked up where he has left off, to continue his inspired work. It was consecrated by Benedict XVI in 2010. It is still not completed, but even in its uncompleted state, it is an inspiring masterpiece. It is not ancient in Roman standards, but its newness still lifts our spirits to praise our God!

Our daily rhythm of prayer and shared meals certainly adds to my experience as well. In our quick- paced, wanting what is new and exciting world, I am reminded that the church beats to a different drum: A minute is like a year, and a year is like a decade for the church, which is Ever Ancient and Ever New!

Please be assured of my prayers. Please continue to send your prayer requests. Visit http://www.smmwillowick.org/sabbatical for links to photos and more information.

Peace,

Fr. Ron