The Reform of the reform in Laguna

Kudos to Miguel for the photos.

Proof that old things never go out of style!


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 Benedictine altar arrangement

The main celebrant in a beautiful Roman chasuble with matching maniple!  

FYI, the maniple was NOT prohibited by the liturgical reform of Vatican II.  So, even if the Mass is celebrated using the Ordinary Form, using the maniple is legit. Notice the beautiful Gothic chasuble of the concelebrant. Altar servers in black cassock!

Notice the beautiful embroidery of Our Lady at the back!

Here is a detail of the chasuble worn by the concelebrant. Beautiful image of Mary help of Christians.  I guess the priest maybe a Salesian. Nice Y-cross design, almost looks like a Rationale.

Take note that after the Liturgical Reform, the Roman Chasuble almost fell into disuse, with most priests wearing the Gothic chasuble or the plain white chasuble with an overlay stole which is forbidden by liturgical books. Then we also have the chasu-alb which would make the priest look like a flaccid white SpongeBob Squarepants!  Ugh!

 Look at the photo below of the Mass of JPII during his UK visit.  The concelebrants are wearing red Roman chasubles, but minus the maniple.

Notice the altar arrangement and the frontal.

FYI, this is no conspiracy theory but it is a fact!  You won't see the Roman chasuble and the Benedictine altar arrangement in MOST churches in the Archdiocese of Manila!

Oh come on...You know why!

The use of dignified vestments for the worship of the Lord is written in Bible and explicitly commanded by the Lord.

After Moses brought the Israelites to the foot of Mount Sinai, he received specific instructions from the Lord for vestments to be worn by the Priestly cast of the Tribe of Aaron (the Levites) when they were ministering in the Tabernacle as well as the specific Vestments that were unique to the High Priest alone. (Read the following: Exodus 28; Exodus 39 and Leviticus 8).

So if there are those who are calling for simpler vestments, read the Biblical passages.  See if they are following God's commands.

I know some priests who would DEMAND that we be simple in our living just like Christ, even the vestments they use.  But the Lord did not attack the vestments of the priests of the Temple.  He was attacking the showy vestments of the Pharisees who, in the inside, are devoid of anything holy and laudable.  An incongruence of the internal reality from the external expression!

Just a hint.  Try asking for the brand of their favorite shoe or shirt.  You'd be surprised.  Remember the priest who has a wishlist?