As a kid in the 1980s we were horrified as we watched a a group of clergy, ordained in the 1940s, destroy this seminary chapel located in St. Paul, Minnesota.This is the same historic chapel where the Servant of God, Archbishop Sheen, began his famed daily Holy Hour, at the St. Paul Seminary.
When it all came down, I remember reading an article in the local city newspaper wherein a local pastor, Msgr. Richard Schuler, warned (a prophet among us?) that future generations would "lament" this decision.
The original design was courtesy of our first Archbishop, who led us for 33 years. The vagaries of the 1960s took a heavy toll. I am a firm believer that this chapel, once altered, ought to be restored to the original design intended by the genius of the original artists.
I have been to several masses in this chapel. The American Chesterton Society met at University of St. Thomas for many years. This is the only church I have been to where when you walk in you know that everything has been turned upside down. It was very dis-orienting for me.
ReplyDeleteRegards
John
Horror! This is vandalism! May a group of clergy recently ordained to restore the seminary chapel back to its original beauty and splendor!
ReplyDeleteBancel LaFarge would roll over in his grave. By the way, his apse was saved only at the last minute by Roach.
ReplyDeleteThis generation must undue the sham renovations of the previous. The insecurities, neuroses and corrupt aesthetics (iconoclasm) of the 1960s and 1970s should be undone and the original design restored.
ReplyDeleteVatican II = DISASTEROUS FAILURE
ReplyDeletePart of that was Bishop Shannon. Big surprise.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 06:58 - this wasn't Vatican II, your statement is a slap in the face to the Holy Father who has spent so much effort to help the faithful understanding the true meaning of VII, then people like you make shameful comments.
ReplyDeleteWhat was done to that chapel, though, is shameful. Those in charge should restore this chapel at once, even if those who wrecknovated it are still around.
Look at the picture of the Holy Father's Private Chapel at the Vatican. You can see the same kind of damage with the remodel work there too!
ReplyDeleteFuture trends seek its return.
ReplyDeletePoor Archbishop Roach. I always felt bad about his DWI on Highway 8.
ReplyDeleteTell them to bring back the sanctuary lamp from the Basilica of St. Mary!!
ReplyDeleteFrank Kacmarcik, OSB (a Benedictine oblate) is to blame.
ReplyDeleteFr. Charles Froehle was the rector who oversaw the project. Now that he is deceased, perhaps it is time to restore order?
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