The New Marini Watch

For those on the "new Marini" watch as regards the character of papal liturgies, you might be interested in this Petrus report that one of our readers sent to us:

"At the ordinary consistory to create 23 new cardinals scheduled Saturday morning, Pope Benedict XVI has decided to wear a mitre used by Blessed Pius IX and a golden silk cope with stole belonging to an older vestment set, possibly of the sixteenth century, with images of the lives of saints, including Peter and Paul."

UPDATE:

An update on this story from our source:

Further news on this front (see Petrus again) clarifies the vestment matter a bit more:

[Petrus] Editorial - Back the solemnity of the glorious tradition of the Church

Gianluca Barile

VATICAN CITY - Next Sunday, which closes the liturgical year, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, by which the Church honors Jesus Christ as universal Sovereign of souls, families, nations, asking God that all people be united in the Lord.

In the Vatican fervent preparations for the consistory at which Benedict XVI will honor 23 new cardinals, giving them the red biretta. At the Mass that accompanies this ceremony, the Holy Father wear a Mitre of Blessed Pius IX, upon which are embroidered images of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and Savior: it was given to the last Sovereign-Pope on the occasion of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The chasuble of the Pope, already worn by John Paul II but created during the pontificate of Paul VI, uses the stolone of an ancient cope which portrays Christ the King in accordance with traditional iconography: the triple crown [tiara], the scepter in his right hand and sphera mundi in his left hand. It is significant that after decades of daring innovations the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has chosen to use a Mitre and parament of particular beauty; both a sign of doctrinal continuity and liturgical tradition... And if we are now accustomed to hearing recalled with authority from the Holy Father the same doctrine of the Church, we can only derive satisfaction at finally seeing that doctrine also reflected in the beauty of vestments.

The new liturgical Master of Ceremonies, Monsignor Guido Marini, shows he knows how to translate into clear and visible signs the mind of Benedict XVI...