Monday 9 November 2009

Remembrance Sunday at the Resurrection, New York


















A few photos from Sunday at our sister parish, the Resurrection, New York. Fr. Swain tells me that the Music was Cristobal de Morales and greatly appreciated. The pall is by Comper (and matches a black Low Mass set of his), as also are the Lectern Fall and the Parish Banner, which can be seen at the Epistle side of the High Altar. Thanks to Fr. Swain for these photos.




This image will be instantly recognisable to most readers. I wonder if anyone could tell me what the recommended height or dimensions are for this sort of bier/catafalque or which term is correct. I remember someone once commented on the set of Travers prints above that "everything has been enlarged for the viewer's gratification", and it certainly seems to feature recklessly high candles. Also, how would such an enormous catafalque be fittingly arranged over/under a coffin? How would that work? I've seen pictures of enormous catafalques in Italy, but most these days seem to be of more modest proportions. I quite like the symbolism of a giant catafalque, but if it gets in the way of the action at the Altar then it's quite inconvenient. Readers let me know your thoughts.

2 comments:

  1. My sensibilities say that a catafalque should be of the same size and proportions as they would be if there were an actual body present.

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  2. I'm pleased to see the catafalque from La Riz, although I must confess a certain perplexed intrigue at the "catafalques I have loved" theme that comes up in Ang-Cath circles about this time each year.

    Makes for good reading.

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