The decoration of Catholic churches can be sincerely enhanced by the
use of regional materials. Many buildings are fashioned from local brick
or stone. Many furnishings are made from local wood. Floral decorations
may come from local gardens and fields. The Catholic Church encourages
the use of regional materials.
“As in the case of the building of churches, so also regarding all sacred
furnishings the Church admits the artistic style of each region and accepts
those adaptations that are in keeping with the culture and traditions of
each people, provided that all fit the purpose for which the sacred furnishings
are intended” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal325). It takes
ingenuity and faith to use regional materials well, but they can be a source
of great inspiration, as people recognize how the natural resources of
their very own region give glory to God.
For this reason, when decorating a church, the use of living materials
is usually a better choice than artificial ones. “In the choice of materials
for church appointments there should be a concern for genuineness of materials
and an intent to foster the instruction of the faithful and the dignity
of the entire sacred place” (GIRM 292). The point was echoed in a statement
by the bishops of the United States of America. “The use of living flowers
and plants, rather than artificial greens, serves as a reminder of the
gift of life God has given to the human community. Planning for plants
and flowers should include not only the procurement and placement but also
the continuing care needed to sustain living things” (Built of Living
Stones 129).
The use of regional materials can evoke appropriate emotional reactions
to the passing of the seasons and the unshakeable ground of faith. ML
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This bulletin insert originally appeared in Ministry
& Liturgy, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders
in your parish as an aid for better liturgy. Copyright © 2006, Resource
Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408)
286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission
from the publisher. For permission e-mail
info@rpinet.com.
Paul
Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate
in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.
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