medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Here's the opening of the second book of William Durandus' Pontifical (c. 1295). The consecration of a church's foundation stone complicates the question of what happens if construction of the church is never completed. Interesting that he makes a distinction between dedicating an altar and consecrating a church.
This is my translation and I don't have the Latin handy so I can't vouch for the nuance of the language here.
"The second part of the book concerns the consecration and blessings of things both sacred and profane, namely:
The blessing and laying of the first stone in building a church.
The dedication of a church.
The dedication of an altar done without the consecration of the church.
The consecration of a portable altar.
The blessing of a cemetery.
The reconciliation of a church and cemetery.
The reconciliation of a cemetery per se, done without the reconciliation of a church."
John
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Izbicki <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, October 28, 2004 7:55 am
Subject: Re: consecration of new chancel
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and
> culture
> The canon law texts rarely use "dedication," & it seems to be
> interchangeable with "consecration." The distinction I see is between
> reconsecration & lesser measures when a church is renovated or
> defiled.
> The English translation of Hugh of St. Victor, On the sacraments
> (Bk II
> pt. 5) has 3 chapters on the dedication of a church. Hugh
> compares the
> right to baptism, including the use of water & salt (Plus other
> things)in the ceremony.
>
> Has anyone looked at Guilelmus Durantis's Rationale?
>
> Thomas Izbicki
> Collection Development Coordinator
> Eisenhower Library
> Johns Hopkins
> Baltimore, MD 21218
> (410)516-7173
> fax (410)516-8399
>
> >>> [log in to unmask] 10/27/2004 11:11:51 PM >>>
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and
> culture
>
> At 01:21 PM 10/27/2004 +0100, Bill wrote:
> >Actually it is not necessary to consecrate new churches. They are
> >usually in use for some time before being consecrated. It is
> customary
> >to ensure that they are fully out of debt before consecrating them.
>
> I'm curious--why do they need to be out of debt first? Isn't the
> commitment to holiness and God's work the same whether or not
> there is
> a
> mortgage? And is there a difference between dedication and
> consecration?
>
> Best, Carol
>
> -------------------------------------------------
> There is a theory that chocolate slows the aging process. Of course,
> it
> may not be true, but dare we take that chance?
>
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