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December 1, 2004
Who is right?
"I want to remind you of the meaning of blue in Advent. Blue is the color of Advent, not purple-even though it was used instead of blue, for many generations. Purple is penitential and belongs to Lent. The deep blue of Advent reminds us of the night sky and the contrasting light shining in the darkness."
-Fr. George Wertin
You can find pictures of his "church" here.
On the other hand we have this educated opinion:
Several people have written to us inquiring whether blue is an approved color for liturgical vestments in Advent. It is not.
You can find their documentation here.
I went looking for resources today because of the experience of an irate parishioner, angry that the sanctuary was no longer Blue.
Posted by Fr. Jeffrey Keyes, C.PP.S. at December 1, 2004 2:23 PM
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Comments
blue is not presently an option for liturgical color for Advent FOR ROMAN CATHOLICS.
it's a perfectly valid option for Anglicans and Lutherans, which is the reason all the suppliers of liturgical vestments and hangings offer it.
there's nothing wrong with the assertion that a parish should invest in a dark violet with some closeness to dark, dark blue for Advent and have different violet for Lent. fortunately, this year, we were able to find the perfect dark violet shade fabric, as secular fashion colors don't always offer what we need for the liturgy.
one can find lots of tasteful liturgical environments that use blue without the extremes of the unfortunate community to which Father posted a link. but they don't deserve to be insulted by putting the word church in quotation marks. pride in doing what the church asks well has its dangers.
Posted by: Maureen Lahiff at December 2, 2004 9:50 AM
You and Maureen are right.
Things are looking good, Father.
Happy Advent!
Posted by: penitens at December 3, 2004 3:27 PM
I agree with Maureen. A parish that carefully attends to liturgy will ensure that parishioners can tell Advent and Lent apart, and that usually means two separate sets of vestments and colors. Theoretically, I see no problem with blue, but I also see no need for variance from Roman tradition when numerous options present themselves.
Posted by: Todd at December 7, 2004 9:02 AM
"there's nothing wrong with the assertion that a parish should invest in a dark violet with some closeness to dark, dark blue for Advent and have different violet for Lent"
I disagree. There is indeed something wrong with the assertion that a parish SHOULD spend its money that way, as opposed to asserting that it MAY.
Until they have sufficient beautiful, dignified, FINE vestments in the necessary colors, they ought not be told they "should" have an extra set of violet ones of a color that pleases those who would prefer that they were allowed blue, anymore than nostalgia buffs ought to assert that a parish "should" have black vestments.
It would be like saying a parish that doesn't have proper liturgical books SHOULD buy a pipe organ.
That's a godd thing to have but its not NEEDED.
We Americans are so wanty, and we pretend we're needy.
"but they don't deserve to be insulted by putting the word church in quotation marks"
Actually, while St. Joan's is part of the Church, big c, many if not most of their liturgies are NOT conducted in their church, small c, but in their gym, which serves as "church."
And they are unfortunate, I'll agree with you there.
Fr Wertin is probably a very good and sincere man, but the damage he is doing there will take a long while to repair. And the current bishop seems to be an enabler.
They need our prayers.
Posted by: Marge at December 7, 2004 11:21 AM