Friday, April 18, 2008

Pope insists on Christian vestments for World Youth Day

Briefing. Some sanity in evidence in the preparations for the papal liturgies.

From CFNews: Pope Benedict XVI has declined to wear vestments displaying Australian national symbols during his appearance at World Youth Day in Sydney, The Australian reports.

The Pope has turned down proposed vestments that would display the Southern Cross, the constellation that is visible in the sky of the southern hemisphere and featured on the Australian flag. The chasubles would also have depicted 'Marjorie's Bird,' a design symbolizing the hopes of Australian aboriginal natives. The Pontiff reportedly insisted that liturgical vestments should show only Christian symbols.

Jim Hanna, a spokesman for World Youth Day organizers in Sydney, denied reports that the Pope's insistence on the Church liturgical norms has given rise to tensions among Australian clerics. 'I have seen no evidence of controversy brewing about the liturgy,' he told The Australian.

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Pope Leo XIII's Prayer to St Michael

Holy Michael, Archangel, defend us in the day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust down to Hell Satan, and all wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen