|
Click on the image to see a larger view.
Gethsemani celebrates its very own solemnity on the 15th of November. On this day,
in 1866, the newly completed church of Gethsemani was dedicated to the worship
of God.
The twelve small metal crosses, as pictured above, set into the walls above the
choir, are actually candle holders, used only for this feast, as seen below. They represent
the twelve apostles and are symbolic of our own special apostolate, to serve the
church in prayer and contemplation.
Click on the image to see a larger view.
From St Bernard, Sermon 1 on the Dedication of a Church
Festivitas hodierna, fratres, tanto nobis debet esse devotior, quanto familiarior
est. Nam caeteras quidem sanctorum solemnitates cum ecclesiis aliis habemus
communes; haec vero sic nobis est propria, ut necesse sit vel a nobis eam, vel a
nemine celebrari. Nostra est, quia de ecclesia nostra; magis autem nostra, quia
de nobis ipsis.... Quid enim lapides
isti potuerunt sanctitatis habere ut eorum solemnia celebremus? Habent utique
sanctitatem, sed propter corpora vestra. An vero corpora vestra sancta esse quis
dubitet, quae templum sancti Spiritus sunt...? Itaque sanctae sunt animae propter
inhabitantem Spiritum
Dei in vobis; sancta sunt corpora propter animas; sancta est etiam propter
corpora domus.
Today's feast, brothers, should be celebrated with all the more devotion since
it is our very own. We share all the other solemnities of sacred occasions
with the whole Church. But this one is so much our own, that if we do not
celebrate it, it will not be celebrated at all. It is ours, because it is about
our church. Or more exactly, it is ours because it is about us. For what sanctity
do the stones themselves possess that we should celebrate their solemnity? Yes,
they are sacred, but because of your bodies. For who could doubt that your
bodies are sacred, since they are temples of the Holy Spirit...? Therefore, your
souls are sacred because the Spirit of God dwells in you. And your bodies are
sacred because of your souls. And this house is sacred, therefore, because of
your bodies.
|
