Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Whither Holy Cross?

From Time Magazine of 24 March 1924:

There was a long procession. Censers swung continually. The celebrant of the mass was censed. So was the 'deacon and the subdeacon. The Gospel was held by the subdeacon, with two taper bearers on either hand, and was read by the deacon, first on one side of the altar and then on the other. The Bishop's ring was kissed. The Bishop and sacred ministers were censed. The sacred host and chalice were raised high at the sound of the sacring bell. Before the altar the ministers were prostrate, while kneeling acolytes elevated waxen tapers that flamed. Then followed the kiss of peace received from the celebrant by the Bishop's chaplain and by him transmitted to the Bishop, subdeacon and all other priests.

Thus were venerated the whiskers of St. Charles, who to the lay world is known as Charles Stuart, King of England, whose head, for various reasons, was cut off in 1649. To high churchmen Charles I was a martyr of religion.

The monks of the Holy Cross are the highest churchmen among Episcopalians...


They also used to practice Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament every Sunday. O to have been alive in 1924!

2 comments:

Davis said...

Believe it or not Holy Cross have improved in the last decade or so...

Tay Moss said...

Lately Holy Cross has been re-cataloguing the West Park library (switching to a computer-based catalogue for many reasons). They are even having retreats themed around people interesting in volunteering to help in this task. Geoff, this would give you a chance to spend many hours combing through their collection of Anglo Catholic resource, many dating to the period you adore!