Posted on 05/24/2008 5:49:06 AM PDT by NYer
Thank you!
Too often folks get caught up in scrutinizing every symbol. When Michaelangelo finished the Sistine Chapel, there was an uproar over the visible genitalia of the male figures and other artists were commissioned to cover the exposed areas. Now, centuries later, restorers have brought the images back to his original portrayal.
Thank you for posting the image and link!
You are welcome.
That looks breathtaking.
**from linden wood **
I thought these vessels needed to be of precious metal. Am I wrong?
Certainly I would guess at the minimum the luna must be gold (or silver); that’s the round vessel that actually holds the Host and fits into the monstrance. Linden wood does seem a bit too earthy/ethnic/casual for a monstrance, but maybe if it’s beautiful enough and done properly to accent the Host itself. The sculpture should not be the main attraction, it’s to draw the eye to the Host. If this picture here is the actual “monstrance” I’m not quite sure I feel it’s appropriate, but I’m not saying it breaks any specific rules. But yes, as you mention, Host must only be touched by precious metal.
“or to have her cradling the luna in her arms”
MarkOM, I think you have a nice idea there! It seems there are many theological issues, and symbolic issues, as well as artistic ones, that need to be very carefully evaluated and balanced. I’m not sure from the info so far if that’s been done.....
Sam,
I’m tempted to say, “Only in America!” Pizza man may have started this trend with his huge Ave Maria oratory in Florida, which (my memory may be wrong) has a six-foot monstrance, which at the time was supposed to be the “world’s largest”?
We are afraid to build skyscrapers now, so we’re building monstrances instead? There is something a bit Disneyland-ish about this.
I thought you three folks might be interested in a more detailed article on this story, explaining some background and the connection to Divine Mercy, “just FYI” —
http://www.thedivinemercy.org/news/story.php?NID=3184&PLID=73
Very interesting article that compliments the one above. Thank you for doing the research and posting the link! Most appreciated.
Follow-up on the actual event, with picture, just “FYI”:
“Towering Monstrance Unveiled” (May 31)
http://www.thedivinemercy.org/news/story.php?NID=3210&PLID=73
(How can the priest can do the Benediction if he can’t lift it?)
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