Liturgical Trends
This year Meyer•Vogelpohl continues with the liturgical trend of cremation by adding the MV Funeral Columbarium System. This modular system provides a simple, flexible way to respectfully store cremated remains within the environment of the church in a solemn and tasteful manner.
Cremation has been well received by Roman Catholics in the United States; however, with this rite, new demands for a liturgically appropriate product arose. Since a variety of urns are available and because of the financial needs of many, Meyer•Vogelpohl commissioned David Camele to design the MV Ossuary. The ossuary is a hand-crafted receptacle in which any urn may be placed and is visually beautiful. The ossuary is quickly becoming a part of the liturgical furnishings of many parishes.
The Katreen Bettencourt Studio Collection
The designer/weaver Katreen Bettencourt was an internationally renowned artist who created liturgical vestments of impeccable craftsmanship and richness of color. Her designs are based on the principles of simplicity, beauty and truth.
Over many years these virtues have made her a highly respected influence in the field of liturgical vesture. Upon Ms. Bettencourt's retirement, her entire studio, loom and unique designs were moved to Meyer•Vogelpohl in Cincinnati where we continue to custom weave her quality vesture.
Portfolios of her vestment designs with woven color swatches are available for review upon request. Please call for more information.
Glass Communion Vessels
Meyer•Vogelpohl continues to serve the liturgy with glass vessels meant exclusively for sacred use; they are not easily broken; and they do not easily deteriorate. Over the years, these glass vessels have enabled the assembly to see the Eucharistic elements as food and drink for the journey of faith. Meyer•Vogelpohl Glass has become an important part of liturgical custom in the United States Church today, and we will continue to offer quality glass that is worthy of the Eucharist.
To Use or Not to Use? Mass Production v. Original Art for Use in Liturgy
The role of art in the life of the Church has always been considered an important aspect of the Church’s worship, for art has the power to draw the mind and heart to the mystery of God. Consequently, the Church has a rich history of supporting the arts, commissioning artisans to create works of fine quality to assist the faithful in prayer and devotion, to teach the faith, and to enrich our liturgical celebrations. Pope John Paul II in his Letter to Artists writes, "In order to communicate the message entrusted to us by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable" (no.12).
With such a rich artistic tradition, the questions must be asked are: What about items used in worship that are not made by an individual artist, but are mass-produced? Are they appropriate or not? Does the fact that an object which is mass-produced and commercially distributed automatically make it less preferable for use at liturgy than something that is an original? Is it possible for beautifully crafted mass-produced items to draw a person’s imagination into the realm of God? Given the culture of mass-production in which we live, is it a merely romantic notion to advocate that all objects used in the liturgy be handmade or artistically created?
To read the entire article written by John Vogelpohl visit envisionchurch.org.