Monsignor Guido Marini, the papal master of ceremonies since 2007, needs our prayers.
Those who have appreciated the gradual return of visual beauty concerning the papacy know that Monsignor Marini had been Pope Benedict's right-hand man in this effort. Marini, echoing Benedict, has clearly stated "it is in the liturgy that the renewal and reform of the Church begins."
He is now in a very difficult position, as evidenced this week with a multitude of abrupt simplifications. The Associated Press, among other news outlets, observed this conflict during the liturgy yesterday featuring a portable versus populum table-altar in the Sistine Chapel:
At the start of the Mass, Francis exchanged words with Monsignor Guido Marini, the Vatican's master of liturgical ceremonies who under Benedict ushered in a far more traditional style of liturgy, heavy on Gregorian chant, Latin and the silk-brocaded vestments of the pre-Vatican II church.
Now comes word from French news agency I.MEDIA that guest liturgists will soon be on the way.
Pope Francis asked the Franciscans of the Italian shrine of La Verna, in Tuscany, to come assure the liturgical service of his installation Mass in the Vatican, on 19 March 2013, the community of this known place of Franciscan spirituality confirmed to I.MEDIA on 15 March.
Some of the beautiful vestments kept at that shrine were profiled by the New Liturgical Movement, a healthy sign, so it remains to be seen what the liturgical service from the Franciscans entails. Perhaps they will bring the vestments for use by the new pope at the Vatican on Tuesday.
In the meantime, pray for the Church. Pray for the Mass. Pray for Pope Francis. But also keep Monsignor Marini, the paragon of true humility, in your fervent prayers.
In the meantime, pray for the Church. Pray for the Mass. Pray for Pope Francis. But also keep Monsignor Marini, the paragon of true humility, in your fervent prayers.
