Altar plans divide church faithful
http://www.bendigoweekly.com/articles/2734/1/Altar-plans-divide-church-faithful/Page1.html
By Anthony Radford
Published on 01/4/2007
A ROW has erupted among the ranks of Bendigo’s catholic community over plans to change the inside of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
The proposal includes moving the altar and Bishop’s chair from the sanctuary to just in front of the pews, and removing the alter rails.
The plan has angered church traditionalists who argue the sanctuary is a holy place and moving the altar would diminish the importance of the priest.
They also claim the cathedral, the last Early Gothic cathedral built in the world, remains almost untouched from the time it was built and should be preserved.
Those pushing for the change claim moving the altar would allow for greater inclusion.
The idea was first mooted about nine months ago and reappeared in September, last year.
The Bendigo Weekly believes a special liturgical committee has been asked to investigate how and what could be done.
Andrew Huntley is a traditionalist catholic in Bendigo who passionately believes the church should stay as it is.
“This should concern all Bendigonians,” he said.
“The Bishop should be the very person to protect tradition.
“He is thinking of playing around with something that is far too
important.”
Mr Huntley said it was vital the cathedral was preserved as it was bequeathed to the current generation.
“We have got to keep the faith with those who built it,” he said.
“None of these proposed changes have been mandated by the Second Vatican Council. This also hasn’t come from the laity.
“If the Bishop isn’t stopped he will go ahead with it and only then will Bendigo realise what it has lost.
“This couldn’t be more important for Bendigo.”
Sacred Heart Presbytery administrator Monsignor John Duffus said the altar move was simply an idea.
“It is a discussion. We want to bring the altar closer to the pews. The
Bishop’s chair is also a long, long way from them,” he said.
“Nothing has been planned or done. It has only been talked about.”
Monsignor Duffus criticised Mr Huntley for speaking out about the issue.
“He is premature in jumping in. No decision has been made,” he said.
“He is out of order.”
A ROW has erupted among the ranks of Bendigo’s catholic community over plans to change the inside of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
The proposal includes moving the altar and Bishop’s chair from the sanctuary to just in front of the pews, and removing the alter rails.
The plan has angered church traditionalists who argue the sanctuary is a holy place and moving the altar would diminish the importance of the priest.
They also claim the cathedral, the last Early Gothic cathedral built in the world, remains almost untouched from the time it was built and should be preserved.
Those pushing for the change claim moving the altar would allow for greater inclusion.
The idea was first mooted about nine months ago and reappeared in September, last year.
The Bendigo Weekly believes a special liturgical committee has been asked to investigate how and what could be done.
Andrew Huntley is a traditionalist catholic in Bendigo who passionately believes the church should stay as it is.
“This should concern all Bendigonians,” he said.
“The Bishop should be the very person to protect tradition.
“He is thinking of playing around with something that is far too
important.”
Mr Huntley said it was vital the cathedral was preserved as it was bequeathed to the current generation.
“We have got to keep the faith with those who built it,” he said.
“None of these proposed changes have been mandated by the Second Vatican Council. This also hasn’t come from the laity.
“If the Bishop isn’t stopped he will go ahead with it and only then will Bendigo realise what it has lost.
“This couldn’t be more important for Bendigo.”
Sacred Heart Presbytery administrator Monsignor John Duffus said the altar move was simply an idea.
“It is a discussion. We want to bring the altar closer to the pews. The
Bishop’s chair is also a long, long way from them,” he said.
“Nothing has been planned or done. It has only been talked about.”
Monsignor Duffus criticised Mr Huntley for speaking out about the issue.
“He is premature in jumping in. No decision has been made,” he said.
“He is out of order.”