Saturday, December 29, 2007

It is the Mass that matters

Cathcon High Mass in Munster a the end of WWII

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

This takes me back to when i was serving in Bosnia and the chaplain had to set up an altar in a bombed out shoe factory.

Anonymous said...

Such faith..wonderful..no war can stop it...

Dr. Peter H. Wright said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

An incredibly moving photograph - almost surreal. The silent vested priests about to offer the sacrifice of the Mass contrasted with the ruined chaos which lay all around them.

A sacred moment in time and space captured by the photographer.

Dr. Peter H. Wright said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dr. Peter H. Wright said...

This is a truly wonderful photo which speaks of the continuity of the Church even amidst the shattered ruins of World War II.

I remember reading about Munster, the provincial capital of Westphalia, with its long history and fine old buildings.

But in 1944, over 90% of the Old City was destroyed by RAF bombs.

As the late and great art historian, Kenneth Clark, once said of the destruction of Dresden, it is not easy to define the word "civilization", but it is never difficult to recognise barbarism when you see it.

How right he was.

The destruction pictured in this photo is eloquent testimony to those sentiments.

But I think the sacred action of the priests at the altar speaks more eloquently.

In the words of Fr. Ray's post, "it is the Mass that matters".

Cathy said...

Great photo - thanks!

gemoftheocean said...

Thank you very much for posting that. I think that one picture is not only a testimony to Catholic faith, but points to what I like so much about the British character. (In other words, I could NEVER see the British throwing in the towel like the French did and do.)

Karen

gemoftheocean said...

Oh, MUNSTER. Never mind!!!! Amazing there were any priests left to say the Mass at all.

Karen

Anonymous said...

God is truly with us in such a remarkable manner during times of confusion. If only we could remember that during more peacful times. At the Mass heaven and earth are so united in praise and Sacrifice.

Anonymous said...

What an absolutely beautiful, evocative photo! It truly is the Mass that matters.

FRLBJ said...

FRLBJ The late Archbishop Hannan of New Orleans was instrumental in keeping the Koelner Dom intact by telling the Catholics to shine lights on it and Fr. Hannan arranged with the bombers to avoid hitting it. The phosphorus bombs were particularly unnecessary, but the English wanted revenge for the V2 bombings. People burned.The bells in the church across the street from an apartment we lived in were reported to have melted from the heat during a similar phosphorus bombing raid.

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