Cardinal O’Malley still blogging away; a word about contemporary church art

CNA:

Boston, Oct. 09, 2006 (CNA) - What started as an experiment for Cardinal Sean O’Malley has become a new and regular means of evangelical outreach. The cardinal-archbishop of Boston has decided to continue his blog, which he began on a recent trip to Rome.

Before his departure, the cardinal had committed to posting daily entries on his blog as a two-week experiment. He said he would consider whether he to continue it upon his return to Boston.

But the prelate has now announced that he would continue posting weekly entries on his blog, the first one hitting the web last Friday. [More...]

Looks like he's here to stay. In his latest post the Cardinal responded to several questions and comments people had left on his previous posts. I really can't say I'm too happy about his defense of an ugly-as-sin cross visible above the altar in the "contemporary" Padre Pio shrine...

"Quovadis" comments:

“Most Revererend Eminence, Having came upon your blog, I am delighted with the wonderful pictures that you have posted up with regards to your trip to the Shrine of Padre Pio and to Rome, however, a point of note, I find that the Cross above the Altar at the Padre Pio Shrine, a tad too modernistic for my taste, dnt you agree? Artistically, it does not add much to the pleasure of the eyes and I am confused by the significance of the structures which rather destroys the beauty of the shrine.”

Cardinal Sean responds:

"Well, the large church that holds 10,000 pilgrims is a very modern, contemporary structure. The furnishings are also very contemporary. On the other side of the piazza, however, is the original Church, which is a typical traditional Italian Church with a Baroque-style altar. I think that they chose not to mix the styles. I’m not an authority on the architecture or furnishings of the new Church, but I understand that the same artist who did the Cross also did the chalices, the ciboria and the cover for The Book. They are all very beautiful. So one can see both the modern, contemporary elements as well as the traditional when visiting the Padre Pio Shrine."

I'm sorry, but even if the "cross" matches the other sacred articles, it's still ugly.

I remember attending the Shrine to celebrate the Feast of St. Faustina in Poland a couple years ago. The new shrine looked like an airport runway control tower. And then the inside wasn't much better. It was almost empty of people. Luckily, we found our way to the old Shrine, which was packed with Polish people praying the rosary when we came in through the doors.

So, yes, I know all about Catholic pilgrimage centers that provide both a "traditional"-style and "contemporary"-style churches. It doesn't matter if the new ones can fit "10,000 pilgrims" with room to spare - I'd prefer to wait in line for a spot inside the cramped traditional church anytime.

That gripe aside, keep on blogging Cardinal. It's a great work you're doing.