The new altar arrangement of the Cardinal Archbishop of Lima, Peru

A reader from Lima, Peru has sent in some photos in response to my call for images of places that have altered their altar cross and candle arrangement, following on Benedict XVI's own changes in his liturgies.

These images come from the Cathedral of Lima, Peru where the archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, celebrates his Mass.

Here is what the arrangement looked like previously:

As you can see, it is the same arrangement as under former papal Master of Ceremonies, Piero Marini.

Here however is the arrangement as it stands today:



While all six of the altar candlesticks have yet to return (four are used), this is yet an extremely encouraging sign, particularly when one considers this comes from a cardinal in his own cathedral. It also encouraging for the reason that it shows that this arrangement is spreading in various regions.

The use of the tall candles, candlesticks and cross are particularly effectual since they lend a very a strong sense of proper liturgical orientation while also lending the altar a verticality and presence -- something particularly important for the faithful.