Page 3 - LOTN Summer Issue 50

DIOCESE

A Letter from

Bishop Hugh Gilbert O.S.B.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, a felt need. Here I will only flag up this project, and say
that the first step will be to replace the current fibreglass
hen we get away for breaks or holidays, we go Calvary (Jesus, Mary and John) with a large and colourful
away to see – things, places, people, friends and version of the San Damiano Crucifix hanging directly above
Wfamily. And this refreshes us. If we go away to a the altar. As funds become available, more will follow. As
part of the world where Christianity is present, we may funds become available, more will follow. I refer you to the
well visit churches or other places of Christian intereSt website of St Mary's, Cathedral.
This can revive our sense of the artistic wealth Christianity In August we celebrate two major feasts that highlight
has poured into the world. Biblical religion is often said to the visibility of our faith: the Transfiguration of the Lord
be a religion of the Word. That God has “spoken” to us is the and the Assumption of Mary. The Lord addresses our eyes
basis of all we believe. The Old Testament, too, was fierce and our touch as well as our ears. Our understanding of
against “images”, any attempts to represent the Lord in the faith is much enriched thereby. Everything in us can be
sculpture or painting. The danger of idolatry was real. With turned to the Lord.
the Incarnation, however, the invisible God made himself I hope that the moments of leisure this season can offer
humanly visible. He “sanctified matter”, as the Fathers say. will include some feasting of our eyes on the mysteries of
The Word became flesh. As a result, the flesh can become our faith. In St Paul’s words, may we contemplate the glory
a word. It can embody the word of God. And in Christian of the Lord with our faces unveiled.
art: in iconography, frescoes, sculpture, architecture (and in Devotedly in Christ,
another medium, music), it has. The results are spectacular
and well-known.
Closer to home, it is our plan to renovate the sanctuary
of our Cathedral Church in Aberdeen. This has long been

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-
jGAsULu8c&t=3147s

3. The Introductory Rites of the Mass:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=vW-NinA9hBg&t=27s

4. The Liturgy of the Word:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPQWIumibAM

5. The Eucharistic Prayer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMHTeEETT24

6. Holy Communion:
ishop Hugh Gilbert OSB recently gave a series of https://www.youtube.com/
talks on different aspects of the Eucharist at St watch?v=I0E3lDZzwOI&t=2473s
BMary's Cathedral, Aberdeen. These helpful talks
are available on YouTube and, if you have access to the 7. Living the Mystery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxjlOHli8mU
internet, do take a look at them. The talks are as follows:

1. The Eucharist in the Christian World-View:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MadRE2CAxIw
HUGH
2. The Origins of the Eucharist in the
Last Supper and Paschal Mystery:

Page 3