Posted on 09/13/2006 8:06:13 AM PDT by NYer
Pope Benedict XVI presiding over Vespers (Evening Prayer) in the Frauenkirche in Munich on Sunday, September 10th. He's wearing a contemporary cope closed with not just a large clasp but an item of the pontificalia called a morse. This one, contemporary in design like the cope seems as big as a pie plate. This item of the pontificals is both functional and decorative. In current Roman usage it is reserved to bishops and cardinals. Most bishops do not make use of it as a specific item of pontifical insignia but this custom is maintained for the Pope. (one of only a few still maintained).
Also called the Monille, Firmula, Firmule or Pectorale, the name originally referred to the rectangular ornamented piece of material attached to the two front edges of the cope near the breast to prevent the vestment from slipping from the shoulders. Morses were provided with hook and eye, and were often richly ornamented with embroidery or precious stones. Later, the name was also applied to metal clasps used in place of the of woven fabric. The clasps, however, gradually lost their practical use and became mere ornaments, which were sometimes sewn firmly to the flaps that served to fasten the cope. This was the case when the clasp was very heavy or very valuable. As early as the thirteenth century we have evidence that the clasps formed distinct ornaments in themselves. Many churches had a large number of such morses usually made of silver covered with gold, they were ornamented with pearls, precious stones, enamel, architectural designs, small, figures of saints, etc. They were generally either round, square, quatrefoil, or like a rosette in form. There were also more elaborate and at times peculiar shapes. A great deal of proof of the desirability of costly morses is shown by the old inventories and by the numerous medieval morses preserved (especially in Germany) in churches and museums.
Source: Catholic Encyclopedia
Pope Benedict looks a litte tired in this photo. I hope he's not overdoing it.
Not nice. Prayers for the Holy Father, that he may be long spared to us.
I always respected Pope John Paul II's choice for the simple.
It has thousands of years of history behind it, and a charm of its own.
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Yikes. Prayers for our Pope. I had no idea, and you're right.
I had not heard that rumor.
Prayers for Pope Benedict XVI's health to improve.
I think both have their place. IMHO, it's a matter of individual choice and perspective.
It must be somewhat unnerving to be standing in the center, watching the buzzards and other scavengers circling and hoping.
Heartfelt prayers to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin to uphold our Holy Father!
Good grief. I hope that's not true!
It must be somewhat unnerving to be standing in the center, watching the buzzards and other scavengers circling and hoping.
Heartfelt prayers to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin to uphold our Holy Father!
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I think I feel reassured by that. :)
You're quite right; Pope Benedict has really been in the thick of it since the beginning. It must be so exhausting at times. Continuing prayers for our beloved Pope Benedict.
But what does Rocco say?
Pure speculation on my part but perhaps the pope chose to visit home before the trip to Turkey. One of the best sellers in Turkey, for now, is a novel about the assassination of the pope. As you may recall, Turkey is where Fr. Andrea Santoro was murdered, earlier this year, by a Muslim fanatic. The Holy Father will need our prayers to strengthen him for this journey.
If you read a number of the entries of Shouts in the Piazza, it seems to be an elaborate online version of RPOS (Rocco Palmo Obsession Syndrome), an ailment not unknown at this sacred site.
It has spawned an hilarious spoof whose name derives from the name of Shout's proprietor:
http://www.guymouthingoff.blogspot.com/
Some of the entries are a hoot, especially when read in proper sequence after one of the Shouts entries.
"pulling out vestments" Makes it sound like he's raiding the Vatican's closets; everyone old is new again? Well, he is a scholar, so Benedict has knowledge of what all this stuff means. I doubt he's just wearing it to show off, no Jay in Peacock Plumes is Papa.
I do see the point of Simple vs. Regal; that will always be debated on. Still, remember that Benedict replaced the Triple Crown with a basic mitre on his own standard; John Paul himself often wore the great red cape (and very good he looked in it.)
I've seen several posts calling for a return of the Triple Crown or Tiara, the Triregnum; I always keep thinking of horses. I do agree with you about that; it is a tad much.
Well, if the Blessed Virgin and her Son can defeat the entire Turkish fleet at Lepanto, they should be able to keep the Holy Father safe!
I didn't know that. I have feared from the beginning that sooner or later there will be an assassination attempt made on BXVI.
I guess we just have to keep praying, but this visit to Turkey certainly is cause for added worry.
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