J P Sonnen at Orbis Catholicus suggests that the Sedia Gestatoria may be coming back. It was last used for Pope John Paul I; Pope John Paul II preferred to walk around. He was thus much closer to the people who were in the front row at the General Audience but, as J P Sonnen points out, could not be seen by most of the other people.It would have been difficult to reinstate the Sedia Gestatoria before now because of the inevitable outcry about "going back". I think that the mood has now changed in the Church. Most Catholics nowadays don't automatically presume that things from the past are baaaad just because they are from the past; Summorum Pontificum has seen to that.
There would certainly be spiteful comments from some secularists and liberal Catholics about the Pope being given too much respect but I think that ordinary Catholics would quite like to see the Sedia Gestatoria back again: someone should start up a Facebook Group... Come to that, I'm sure that many people would love to see the flabelli brought back - the large fans with the ostrich feathers as seen in this photo:
23 comments:
I suppose I can see its use say inside St. Peter's or in the Paul VI audience hall. But the Popemobile has taken the place of the sedia gestatoria I thought?
Could be the Popes way of being eco-friendly and reducing his carbon foot print ;o). Who says traddy minded individuals don't care about CO2 emissions? hehe
Only drawback is that some of the bearers may pray for a lightweight Pope.
The important thing about the flabelli, is that they came to Imperial Rome from Egypt, most probably via Cleopatra, and are thus the most ancient continuously-used ensign of dignity surviving in the world, of perhaps some 5,000 years! To have abolished them was, in my mind, one of the greatest acts of historical vandalism in the entire 1970's Catholic reform. Wanton ignorance, there is no other term for it.
This is another hopeful sign. To reclaim the Papal Tiara would be a good next step.
Oh what about the Vatican health and safety rules???? Someone might get a bad shoulder and claim!! liz.
The important thing is visibility, it is almost impossible to see the HF when he walks in procession in St Peter's or the Square unless you are in the front few rows.
I remember seeing those great fans at the vatican museum. It was so sad seeing those poor, innocent prisoners in those tall glases cases. . .
I think they would have to make some modifications to the practice of those times; in particular, toning down the more flamboyant elements, while achieving the appropriate level of dignity.
The problem at present is that, even with the Popemobile, the Holy Father cannot be seen by many of those present.
I have written a short item about it, including photographs, on my own blog, which can be reached via the name shown above. (I can't manage anything more technical.)
*I should clarify that I thought the popemobile had replaced the sedia gestatoria for OUTDOOR use.
Dorothy - thanks for the link on your blog. Here is a simple guide to
Putting links in the combox.
To put a link in a blogpost, just click the "link" button and paste the URL (web address) into the box that comes up. You can get the web address by highlighting the "http:etc." stuff at the top of your browser.
(The link button is a green ball with a sort of chain link on it - if you roll your mouse over it, it says "insert link".)
Many thanks, Father. "A green ball with a sort of chain link on it..." That's the sort of language I've been looking for in a guide! I shall enjoy having a go at applying the information.
Our Assistant Priest, a convert from Anglicanism, once showed me a picture of Pope Paul VI on the sedia gestatoria and said that it was 'this sort of thing' which prevented so many people he knew from converting to Catholicism.
Fr. Tim,
I suspect the last word on the matter will come not from the revivalists of ancient tradition but from the Vatican security men. Ever since 13 May 1981, bullet-proofing the the Holy Father has been the number one concern of those responsible for his public appearances.
Wonderful as it is, the sedia gestatoria would just put the Pope back in the line of fire. Attaching the flabelli to the popemobile might be a good interim measure, until we live in a saner world.
Indeed, the sedia gestatoria would certainly raise the Holy Father aloft for all the pilgrims to see.
As for those who persist in standing on tip-toes blocking the view for the people behind them behind - well.... those flabelli look substantial enough so the offenders could be bowled over by a sneaky deft swat with the ostrich plumes!
I for one believe that our Holy Father should be afforded all the pomp and ceremony that has come down through the centuries. Isn't he important enough? Our Glorious Faith and all that is part of its great heritage should be used and not buried in some glass museum case.
Alternative is an indoor/outdoor all terrain Pope-Mobile with one of those battery operated hand held or stick-to-your-dashboard fans. Nahhh! - Somehow just doesn't exude the same kudos. :-)
Long Live Papa Benedict!
Gillibrand - I heard that one of John XXIII's first acts was to increase the pay of the bearers as he was rather heavier than his predecessor.
The sedia gestatoria would just put the Pope back in the line of fire
I hate to have to agree... It's sad but it's true... But... Can't they just put a bullet proof glass around the sedia? The tradition is back, the crowds can see the pope, and he's protected from any freemason, oh, I mean, maniac. Everybody wins!
But surely the fact that JP1 used it (given his well-known humility) could be used as an argument "pro"? And as for the security factor, as Francis mentions, well, the Pope lives in constant danger so I don't think the sedia would add much to that. And think... the only purpose for it is that people can better see him. What a teaching moment it could be. What's the first thing we do when we celebrate someone (well, in the male environment anyway - I'm thinking football etc)? We carry them on our shoulders. as a mark of respect and affection, and so they can be seen in that context. The sedia is really just that. Our Lord is not on record as having objected to being borne into Jerusalen.
Notwithstanding the historical significance of the flabelli, they (and the tiara and perhaps some other trappings of papal office) are somewhat at odds with Christ's statement that "my kingdom is not of this world" and thus beg the question why His earthly representative should be treated in regal fashion. A restoration of the sedia gestatoria falls into this category but to a lesser extent if its chief justification would be to enhance the HF's visibility to the faithful and others present at indoor ceremonies - which in turn would be more palatable to non-believers rather than the HF being paraded about outside (and where the security risks are arguably greater).
Andrew J
I think it was fear of the eventual triumph of communism and its new world order that prompted the removal of the Sedia and the Flabelli, together with the whole Papal Court. (Dragoons and Black Nobility)
The popemobile moves that much faster so he can be seen by more people in a given time; unless the carriers are trained to jog with the sedia.... But I think one broken wrist is enough injury in one year for Pope Benedict!
It would be nice to see the Sedia Gestatoria reappear even if only for some solemn occasions like Christmas, Easter, Holy Year, etc.
I hope someone in Vatican security has found a comfortable Kevlar bulletproof vest (in white) His Holiness could wear when not protected by the Popemobile.
A donkey was good enough for Jesus. I have not seen a single comment about why carrying the Pope in the tradition of monarchs would be in any way appropriate. The Holy Father is the leader of the Church, but he is still just a man. Jesus was not covered in jewels and carried around like a monarch. These things are a reminder of those who used the Church to gain power and riches. If you worry about tradition, why not ask why so much about the Mass and is being changed?
One of the points I tried to make was that this would not be so much for the benefit of the Pope as for the people who want to see him. Recent Popes have strongly resisted the return of the sedia gestatoria. I can see that some might take the wrong meaning from it, but there is no need to do that. It can be seen as a sign of respect.
Jesus was honoured by a large quantity of pure nard which was very costly. He did not accept the criticism of Judas that the money should be given to the poor.
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