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Mutiny on the Loggia of Pontifical Ceremonies
There is a biting piece at Petrus you might want to read, in my translation. The semi-anonymous author doesn’t hide his contempt for the former Master of Ceremonies, His Excellency Most Reverend Piero Marini, titular archbishop of Martirano.
The interesting thing in the article, after you filter out the sarcasm, is that there was a sort of mutiny in the Office of Pontifical Ceremonies, entered via the second loggia of the Apostolic Palace.
Piero Marini’s closest collaborators asked to return to the offices of the Curia they had originally been pulled from for their ceremony roles. I don’t know if this was really a mutiny or not. It might be, and maybe we can find a verification of this, that it is the custom in that office for everyone to resign so as to make way for a new regime. I don’t know.
Maybe those guys just didn’t want to learn the older form of Holy Mass?
In any event, this is interesting stuff.
After Marini – No Delugeby Father Gregorio
CITTÀ DEL VATICANO - The chill that dominated the Office of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies in these last days was palpable: Whoever was present at the meeting between Msgr. Piero Marini (transferred to head the Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses) and Msgr. Guido Marini, the new Master of Ceremonies, refers to a very short and formal handing off of the baton, also the not very clear appointments the predecessor used as a justification for his being in a hurry to leave the office.
On Thursday evening, for the inauguration of the exhibit on the Apocalypse, Msgr. Piero Marini (see the photo) appear extremely short-tempered and irritated, having finally reached the countdown for his departure.
Msgr. Guido Marini, the successor of Piero, has never been mysterious about his own thought on liturgical quesitons. He was ordained by Giuseppe Card. Siri, one of the last princes of the Church who, when pontificating in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, habitually used the cappamagna, red shoes and golden fibbie, the cardinal’s cappello; he was one of the many priests of the Archdiocese of Genoa who loved Latin, Gregorian chant, ritual dignity; he was the Master of Ceremonies for Archbishops Tarcisio Bertone and Angelo Bagnasco, who are also very attentive to liturgical decorum.
On the other hand, the homonymous Piero is known for his aversion to all that recalls, even vaguely, the ritual tradition of the papal court: he preferred to borrow tribal rituals from African cultures, offertory dances in front of the Pope, liturgies made up on a little table in the name of inculturation, over solemn romanità; and one can never forget his choreographic approach according to which liturgy is a show and, as such, can be created and adapted: an approach in obvious opposition to the older rite, defined contemptuously as "old liturgy", the fruit of "encrustations" and "accumulations of sediment". In practice, he was the exact opposite of the thought of Benedict XVI.
Perhaps for this reason, in his own panegyric sent at the beginning of October to the Roman Curia, Piero Marini – who wrote specifically to the cardinals and prelates to offer a final account of his own work as Master of Ceremonies for Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI - wanted to underscore the freedom he enjoyed under Karol Wojtyla, as if to lament that he hadn’t had a completely free hand with the reigning Pontiff.It is certain that the sudden return to the original offices where they came from on the part of Msgr. Piero Marini’s closest collaborators (who after his transfer to be head from the Eucharistic Congresses requested to be able to return to the offices in the Curia where they had come from, so as to say that they didn’t accept their new chief, namely Guido Marini) ought to stress the difference from his successor and represent a kind of quiet mutiny in the ranks of the Office of Liturgical Ceremonies of the Supreme Pontiff.
That operation, however will certainly make the Msgr. Guido Marini’s installation easier, avoiding any acts of sabotage aimed at him. But the message of the predecessor was very clear: "Après moi, le déluge… After me, the deluge".
The Augustinians, who have the care of the papal sacristy, will have a big task in the next few days: after twenty years during which any sort of traditional vestment was forbidden, many rooms will be unlocked, the doors of many vestment cases opened wide. And, since with Msgr. Piero Marini precious sacred vestments of the papal treasury were banished to give way to a panoply of questionable creations, one might suppose that in the coming weeks the former will be brought out into the light to make room for the latter. And there won’t even be any need for mothballs: moths don’t like plastic.
“And there won’t even be any need for mothballs: moths don’t like plastic.”
LOL.
Comment by Vincenzo — 22 October 2007 @ 6:59 pmThe Pope and the new Marini look very happy:
Comment by John — 22 October 2007 @ 7:15 pmhttp://www.fotografiafelici.com/index.php?page=scripts/inserimento&num_file=6&cerimonia=7291%2005%20Rev%20Mons%20Guido%20Marini%20Maestro%20Cerimonie%20Pontificie&data=2007-10-23%2001:12:35&cod=337&language=ING&n_page=1#foto
>>>...so as to say that they didn’t accept their new chief, namely Guido Marini
Are we supposed to be sad?
>>>That operation, however will certainly make the Msgr. Guido Marini’s installation easier, avoiding any acts of sabotage aimed at him.
Exactly! The rainbow after the deluge.
Comment by Argent — 22 October 2007 @ 8:13 pmGood riddance. Marini has been an aggravation and an embarrassment for years. Glad to see him go. To bad for the department who had to get him. Hope he can’t cause too much damage there.
I don’t know why everyone else wanted to leave too. Maybe there is a convention or something like that. But anyone who leaves in a snit because they might have to follow good Pope Benedict into the future properly….well, good riddance to them too.
Comment by michigancatholic — 22 October 2007 @ 8:34 pmI think all of Piero Marini’s old assistants should not be permitted to returned to their old curial offices, because this would be giving in to their “hissy fits”. Rather, they should be fired, and re-assigned to parishes etc. in Rome. Where they could always use an extra pair of hands.
Comment by Matthew Mattingly — 22 October 2007 @ 8:40 pmThis does sound like good news. This gives for a great opportunity for true reform of the reform to go full steam ahead. Hopefully if proper liturgy can finally be done at the top, it will trickle down to the parishes.
I for one am very interested to see if papal Masses will properly have installed lectors. I would think in a city teeming with seminarians, many of whom are actual installed lectors, you could use them to carry out their proper ministry in the Mass. In Rome, you’d think it was the law that a woman had to read one of the readings at Mass.
I’ll keep G. Marini in my prayers that he can prepare liturgies that will give great glory to God!
Comment by Roman Sacristan — 22 October 2007 @ 8:49 pmOne might expect that Guido Marini is quite happy that the “old guard” of his predecessor have “revolted” and followed him out of office, regardless of where they land. He can bring his own team aboard, blessed be God. Too bad our local diocesan liturgy office couldn’t have a similar change of command and palace revolt!
Comment by Bill — 22 October 2007 @ 8:50 pmCan anyone tell me when, exactly, Guido Marini takes over and when Piero Marini is officially out of the picture?
Comment by Garrett — 22 October 2007 @ 9:29 pmHey,
In this article from Petrus, the picture of Archbishop Marini blocks out some of the writing.
Is it like this for everybody or just my computer’s settings cause this?
Also in the article it says that Cardinal Siri ordained Msgr Marini. The former retired in 1987 from the archdiocese of Genoa, and Marini was ordained in 1989.
This would indicate to me had been ordained by Cardinal Giovanni Canestri. Certainly though Cardinal Siri was a mentor, as he approved the seminary application of the new master of pontifical ceremonies, him paying tribute to his promotion of sound liturgy, when Marini was promoted to this position.
I believe that is a foretaste of what is to come. Look out for World Youth Day next year in Sydney.
Comment by Andrew — 22 October 2007 @ 9:40 pmHow much will/could Marini really change? Remember how people flipped out when the Holy Father started wearing an ermine trimmed mozzetta? I don’t think we’ll see any cappae magnae or jeweled vestments any time soon. It’s important that popes dress act and pray like their predecessors. When we dress cardinals and popes up in silk and jewels, we’re not honoring their personalities or even the individuals, but their authority and office which comes from God. Of course, in a world that hates the beautiful and the sacred, this argument will get you no where.
Comment by Michael — 22 October 2007 @ 10:00 pmRemember how people flipped out when the Holy Father started wearing an ermine trimmed mozzetta?
I don’t remember anyone flipping out over that, though I do remember the Holy Father getting some ridicule for wearing the camauro. But I do not think he minded.
Comment by dcs — 22 October 2007 @ 10:29 pmHey heroes of this blog. Why don’t you come up with some more intelligent and positive comments. You seem to only know how to malign Archbishop Marini. Always judging … think about your own judgement , because is going to come . Charity is a virtue. Also for you Fr.Z
Comment by Victoria — 22 October 2007 @ 11:46 pmVictoria – thank you for that judgement on our judging.
Comment by A Simple Sinner — 23 October 2007 @ 2:05 amI loved this…
The Augustinians, who have the care of the papal sacristy, will have a big task in the next few days: after twenty years during which any sort of traditional vestment was forbidden, many rooms will be unlocked, the doors of many vestment cases opened wide. And, since with Msgr. Piero Marini precious sacred vestments of the papal treasury were banished to give way to a panoply of questionable creations, one might suppose that in the coming weeks the former will be brought out into the light to make room for the latter. And there won’t even be any need for mothballs: moths don’t like plastic.
If that doesn’t sum it up!
Comment by Diane — 23 October 2007 @ 5:06 amafter twenty years during which any sort of traditional vestment was forbidden, many rooms will be unlocked, the doors of many vestment cases opened wide.
Isn’t this what Bl John XXIII called for? ‘To open the windows in order to let in fresh air.’ I doubt that the choice of the phrasing and imagery is accidental. I would go so far as to say it is substantial. ;-)
Comment by Mike in NC — 23 October 2007 @ 5:52 amUPDATE:
LE UDIENZE
Il Santo Padre ha ricevuto ieri in Udienza:
S.E. Mons. Piero Marini, Arcivescovo tit. di Martirano, Presidente del Pontificio Comitato per i Congressi Eucaristici Internazionali.
Comment by Mike in NC — 23 October 2007 @ 6:02 amFrom the Vatican news for today.
Thank God the Holy Father did not name him as a Cardinal in the upcoming
Comment by Graham Lake — 23 October 2007 @ 6:10 amConsistory!
Not at all “Simple Sinner”. We all are.
Graham Lake don’t hold your breath…
Comment by Victoria — 23 October 2007 @ 8:08 amHey heroes of this blog. Why don’t you come up with some more intelligent and positive comments. You seem to only know how to malign Archbishop Marini. Always judging … think about your own judgement , because is going to come . Charity is a virtue. Also for you Fr.Z
Comment by Victoria
You seem to be supporting the man who opposes the pope. How charitable is that?
Comment by RBrown — 23 October 2007 @ 8:25 amVictoria: Why don’t you come up with some more intelligent and positive comments.
Do you have some “intelligent and positive comments” to share?
What, in your opinion, should be said that isn’t being said?
Lead by example. If what you say is both intelligent and positive, I am sure the readers will accept it on its merits.
Comment by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf — 23 October 2007 @ 8:26 amFr John,
Thanks for repositioning the picture, so that we can read the whole article.
Comment by Andrew — 23 October 2007 @ 8:27 amMike in NC:
I see that the meeting with Marini is the only thing on the Holy Father’s schedule for today. Since the next International Eucharistic Congress is scheduled for next June in Quebec, it seems a bit early for a last-minute-rundown, and a bit late for an organizational meeting.
I wonder if this was more of a “come to Jesus” meeting, as they say.
Comment by Tim Ferguson — 23 October 2007 @ 8:48 amThe Holy Father is just glowing in those pictures of his audience with his new “maestro.” Actually they both are – and it’s a joy to see the Holy Father so happy. The chemistry there is apparent; what exciting times.
Comment by EJ — 23 October 2007 @ 8:49 amThe new Papal MC, Mons. Guido Marini, surely comes very well recommeded. First, he comes from the environment shaped, and still influenced in part, by the long presence of Card. Siri. Second, the Holy Father’s long-time collaborator Tarcisio Card. Bertone, has has personal experience of Marini as an MC. I suspect that he made the recommendation to His Holiness.
Comment by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf — 23 October 2007 @ 8:56 amIf we insist on using military terminology, which I’m not terribly fond of, I think the proper term would be “desertion,” rather than mutiny. The elder Marini’s collaborators are abandoning the OPC, not hijacking it.
I’ll chime in with Victoria. I do tire of the snippiness in the combox. Pray, friends, for humility and graciousness. Pray, in charity, for Archbishop Marini, for those who’ve worked with him in the past and for those who succeed them.
Otherwise, I have no opinion on this.
Comment by Dustin — 23 October 2007 @ 9:41 amMy prayers are for our Holy Father. If he is happy so am I.
Comment by Bernard — 23 October 2007 @ 10:02 amWhether or not Msgr. Guido was ordained by Cardinal Siri he is from the same ‘lineage’. Thanks be to God and to His Blessed Mother.
Victoria,
Christ does not merely say “Judge not”, but rather he continues with “lest you be judged”. According to St Augustine and other Fathers, this is an injunction against false judgment or severe judgment in indifferent matters (thinking the worst).
In this matter, however, the facts are fairly clear.
Msgr Marini’s comments have indicated that his concept of liturgy is in opposition to that of the Pope. It is clear that his view of liturgy is based on cultural relativism: Thus Gregorian Chant was fine for its time and place, the St Louis Jesuits music is fine for ours—St Thomas’ “Adoro Te” is no better than their “One Bread One Body”.
The pope disagrees, and Msgr Marini was replaced. Is it sad that he was canned? Yes. But I think it’s more sad that a Papal Master of Ceremonies would reject Sacred Liturgical tradition.
Comment by RBrown — 23 October 2007 @ 10:13 amI’ll chime in with Victoria. I do tire of the snippiness in the combox. Pray, friends, for humility and graciousness. Pray, in charity, for Archbishop Marini, for those who’ve worked with him in the past and for those