Sunday, September 15, 2013

Basilica of Nursia: Winning Back the Presbyterium for the Old Rite

(Norcia) The photo gallery shows the gradual rebuilding of the chancel of the Basilica of Nursia, which has been supervised by the revived Benedictine Abbey since 2001. The American Benedictine Dom Cassiano Folsom, realized the re-establishment of a monastery twelve years before in the Abbey birthplace of monastic Father Benedict of Nursia and his sister, Saint Scholastica. The monastic life was strangled there in 1810 by Napoleonic legislation. In 2000 the Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia offered an invitation to Cassiano cathedral, to resume the Benedictine tradition in the central Italian city.

The Benedictine convent is biritual. Internal monastery only maintains the traditional rite, while for the pastoral care the Novus Ordo is celebrated. The request of the abbey to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, to celebrate the Holy Mass in Utroque Usu was approved in 2009. The Benedictines of Norcia emphasize a liturgical apostolate in the Old Rite.

The Benedictines currently live in Nursia, where they are plagued by lack of space. Therefore, they work on gradual reconstruction of ancient monastery ruins outside of Nursia, which will house the abbey in future.

The Benedictines of Norcia have worthily transformed the presbytery, despite only modest resources that are available to them. The first picture shows the presbytery of the basilica after the liturgical reform. The second picture shows the first stage of the liturgical restoration at the solemn vows of a monk. The direction of celebration was changed to ad Deum. The third picture shows the second stage of the liturgical restoration of the the extension of the chancel and nave, with ceremonial vestments, showing the facing the apse, and altar in the direction of celebration ad Deum, apsewards towards the rear wall, which was also redesigned solemnly. The picture was taken at the solemn profession of two monks from the monastic community was celebrated this past 3rd of August.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi Bild: Messa in Latino Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

AMGD

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am sure it won't be long before ah Pope Francis and his clique target these saintly monks and their holy founder with persecution because they wish to preserve our Catholic traditions, including the Holy Mass

Elizabeth said...

As I recall, Papa Benedict had specifically requested this Benedictine Order of Monks in Norcia to offer the Traditional Mass on a daily basis. Of course they were more than happy to oblige.

I had the pleasure to visit Norcia and this Monastery with a group of FSSP laity and priests five years ago, and it made a lasting impression on me. The monastery itself is just so ancient and beautiful, let alone the monks and their holy endeavor. God bless them.