A Treatise on Chancel Screens and Rood Lofts: Their Antiquity, Use, and Symbolic SignificationPugin, Augustus Welby Northmore
History
A Treatise on Chancel Screens and Rood Lofts: Their Antiquity, Use, and Symbolic Signification
Pugin, Augustus Welby Northmore
Screens (Church decoration)
A procession in thanksgiving was then speedily arranged; and now with
what alacrity long-concealed objects appeared! One good woman
triumphantly produces a cope she had concealed under a quadruple layer
of mattresses; another hastens with the holy water vat, brightening it
up as she came along; half the contents of the ancient sacristy returned
to view as if by magic. But what gave greater joy to the old curé than
all the rest, was the ancient rood, that had been removed from the jubé
and concealed in a roof by a pious parishioner. It came supported by
four of the strongest youths, carried in triumph. The voice of the curé,
enfeebled by age, and tremulous with overflowing devotion, could
scarcely entone the Vexilla Regis, but it was instantly taken up by a
chorus of voices. With caps in hand, tearful eyes, and swelling hearts,
the villagers of Conques followed the venerable image of the Redeemer
till arrived at the cemetery. The curé, after an ardent address of
exhortation and thanksgiving, dismissed them with his blessing. One bell
yet remained in the old tower; a rope was soon obtained, and loudly it
rang on that happy day. The church was soon after reconciled, and the
holy sacrifice has been continually offered up ever since. The rood was
raised again on high, with great rejoicings, and Père Duchesne saw that
day, and sang his _Nunc Dimittis_. He reposes in peace in the adjoining
cemetery, but his spirit lives in his successor, who equally venerates
the ancient traditions of his ancient faith. The rood is now safe from
further profanation. The traces of Frénin's destruction will be shortly
effaced by a perfect restoration; but the frightful end of the
ambonoclasts of Conques will long form the subject of discourse among
the inhabitants of the village.
THE MODERN AMBONOCLAST.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account