Altar Consecration in the Usus Antiquior in Cologne

This Saturday, 7 Novemebr 2009, H.E. Msgr. Klaus Dick, Auxiliary Bishop emeritus of Cologne, consecrated the restored altar in the church of the Fraternity of St. Peter in Cologne, Maria Hilf (Our Lady of Perpetual Help). This was the first such occasion in Germany since the liturgical reforms 40 years ago. Subsequently, Bishop Dick celebrated Pontifical Mass at the throne the chant for which was provided by the Schola Cantorum Coloniensis.

You can download the texts for the altar consecration in Latin and German from the website of Maria Hilf here.

Here are somem photographs of the occasion taken by our friend Martin Bürger of exsultet.net and by Stanislaus of Politisch Unpolitisches (click to enlarge):

The unconsecrated altar before the ceremony:


Litany of the Saints:


Deposition of the relics:


First Offering of incense upon the newly consecrated altar:



Preparation of the newly consecrated altar for Holy Mass:


Pontifical Mass:


The sermon focussing on the Holy Sacrifice which from now on is going to be offered upon this altar, and on the patrocinia of the altar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Vincent de Paul.