Many will recall coverage on the NLM in the past year or two of the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine which is under the auspices of the Benedictines of St. Louis Abbey in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. We have featured them before, both for their liturgical events, and for the very fine gothic revival vestments they have been commissioning from a private individual in their region.
The NLM first reported upon this oratory when it was being erected, back in November 2007, and since then, it is reported to the NLM that the Oratory now offers two Masses each Sunday in the usus antiquior and serves approximately 200 faithful. (Not bad by any stretch, and particularly when one considers that the Institute of Christ the King's Oratory of St. Francis de Sales is not so very far away, serving, from what I understand, more than 1000 families.)
A further sign of growth is now also being reported to the NLM.
In many of the previous photographs shown upon the NLM, one will clearly note that the Oratory chapel is fairly simple architecturally, being in temporary circumstances at present:
Of course, here again, it cannot go without mention that the beautiful vestments and altar frontal make a significant impact and difference even in a temporary space.
In addition to these artistic appointments, the Oratory has now commissioned the following reredos which will evidently house the tabernacle and has gradines as well. Once completed, this will certainly make a profound impact.
(The reredos in production)
This piece, as well as a confessional, are currently being completed in Boston and will be delivered around Easter. It is further reported that this reredos will eventually become a reredos for a side altar, once the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine is able to build its own church proper.
It is encouraging to see such growth, and to see such vision for the future. It sounds and looks as though they have much promise indeed -- which vision, incidentally, can be something of a "self-fulfilling prophecy", itself helping to encourage and foster that same growth.
Indeed, let each of us strive, to the best of our ability, to give what we can to the worship of God. Let us not rest content with bare minimums. Instead, let us be restless in seeking to give glory to God through the liturgical rites of his Church; through worship, through prayer, through catechesis, through beauty and through all the means given to us. Let us make it a point to intend to grow and to expand, approaching these matters with an apostolic zeal.
Make no mistake. It is contagious.
