The Welsh Medieval Church and its Context, Conference Proceedings, November (2008)
Abstract
Can a medieval church ‐ which has fallen into ruin, been taken down stone by stone, and moved to another place – ever be brought to life again? Or, to put it another way, ‘Can these dry bones live?’
Of course, in some ways they can never be what they were. The bishop will not make his regular visitations, to confirm his flock; the priest will not sit down in Lent to absolve the sins of all who live nearby; the pilgrims will not cross the river here, rosaries in hand; the daily round of Mass and Office, the circle of the Church’s Year, will rarely be kept; the Blessed Sacrament will not return to the hanging pyx above the high altar from which it was removed almost five hundred years ago. The dove is in a cage, now; it is on show.
Interpreting a medieval church through liturgy
Frost, DH
The Welsh Medieval Church and its Context, Conference Proceedings, November (2008)
Abstract
Can a medieval church ‐ which has fallen into ruin, been taken down stone by stone, and moved to another place – ever be brought to life again? Or, to put it another way, ‘Can these dry
bones live?’
Of course, in some ways they can never be what they were. The bishop will not make his regular visitations, to confirm his flock; the priest will not sit down in Lent to absolve the sins of all who live nearby; the pilgrims will not cross the river here, rosaries in hand; the daily round of Mass and Office, the circle of the Church’s Year, will rarely be kept; the Blessed Sacrament will not return to the hanging pyx above the high altar from which it was removed almost five hundred years ago. The dove is in a cage, now; it is on show.
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