There is a wonderful post over at New Liturgical Movement about Pugin's Contrasts. It makes for very interesting reading, although I think his ideas have become somewhat dated now that it is apparent that English Catholicism (in the medieval sense) has truly been crushed and destroyed by the Protestant heresy.
I am all for the neo-classical style of the Oratories, because it is clearly evident that today's restoration of our Faith is at work in them. They carried the Tridentine forms of worship (as they still do to some extent!) as opposed to the sadly extinct Sarum Use of Liturgy. We can no longer look to English Gothic Churches because they have all been destroyed, and represent their transformed Protestant beliefs. Pugin's work in Cheadle may bear testament more to a forgotten page in history, rather than the way forward.
I am all for the neo-classical style of the Oratories, because it is clearly evident that today's restoration of our Faith is at work in them. They carried the Tridentine forms of worship (as they still do to some extent!) as opposed to the sadly extinct Sarum Use of Liturgy. We can no longer look to English Gothic Churches because they have all been destroyed, and represent their transformed Protestant beliefs. Pugin's work in Cheadle may bear testament more to a forgotten page in history, rather than the way forward.
Not entirely Matt... What about St Etheldreda's (Ely Place) in London?
ReplyDeleteSt Etheldreda's Church was the town chapel of the Bishops of Ely from about 1250 to 1570. It is the oldest Catholic church in England and one of only two remaining buildings in London from the reign of Edward I.
Besides, I don't believe that our Gothic heritage no longer represents the ancient Faith. Truth will always shine through and nothing can suppress that.
Good comments from the author of the original article! I am keen to visit St Etheldreda, also because it is in the charge of Rosminians, an order close to my heart.
ReplyDelete