The following comes from a March 24 Valley Catholic article:
Stained glass windows have a rich history within our religious tradition and a significant place in sacred architecture. As developments in construction and architecture allowed towering expanses and vast windows, artists were commissioned to design and fabricate windows that told the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Others depicted apostles, martyrs, and saints. Windows were an important tool of catechesis and religious formation for large populations that were not able to read and write or had no access to expensive manuscripts and books.
The windows of St. Joseph’s Cathedral Basilica reflect this reality. They depict scenes from the life of Jesus and images of familiar saints. The windows also convey the history of Santa Clara Valley and families who were significant in the life of the Catholic Community.
When St. Joseph’s was named the Cathedral for the Diocese of San Jose the building was restored and modified for contemporary liturgy. Three additional windows were installed. These modern windows are on the east wall of the building behind the altar. Needed repairs were made on the historic windows during the renovation but sufficient funds were not available for their restoration. The windows are in great need of restoration. The cost of this restoration project is $480,000.
The restoration involves removing the windows, disassembling the window’s many pieces, cleaning, repairing any broken glass, and reassembling the window with new lead molding. The process is not only quite involved, it requires talented artists and craftsmen.
Restoration has begun on some of the windows. The windows in the bell towers, as well as the rose windows in the choir loft, have been fully restored. The work has been made possible by a generous grant from the Catholic Foundation of Santa Clara County and an anonymous donor.
What is “contemporary liturgy” ?
The people of the Diocese should each donate to their Cathedral, rather than the USCCB’s CRS, Catholic Charities, and CCHD.
They should also give to authentically Catholic charities as they can afford.
I would like to know what is meant in this article, by “…restored and modified for contemporary liturgy.” Did the Diocese actually do a “wreckovation,” of a beautiful, old Catholic church?? Makes me SICK!! But I would like to go and see this Cathedral, first, before being upset! Well, better to restore a beautiful, large, older church, and use it as a Cathedral for the Diocese, than using funds to build a piece of modern garbage, “Ugly as Sin,” as the book on this subject correctly states!! Too bad the Diocese of Oakland was not able to do this! LOVE their bishop– but can’t stand their tragically-designed, “un-Catholic,” modern, bizarre-looking “cathedral!” Well– I will go down to San Jose, and see their new Cathedral! Now, if only they could have a good, faithful, orthodox bishop, that would be fantastic!
No, they didn’t do a wreckovation, although the altar is wrong, obviously, to accommodate “contemporary liturgy.” Other than that, the renovation is breathtaking and extraordinary. The building had fallen to near total degradation. It took over 3 years and was completed in 1990. I was there for the opening.
Linda Marie, save the trip. Go to Google Images and you will see lots of pictures of one of the most beautiful churches in our country.
Does anyone have any pictures of the cathedral–especially the sanctuary–before the wreckovation?
Contemporary liturgy??? Code word for the “man made” Novus Ordo dinner service not the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the sacred language of the Church Latin!! They still don’t get it, the Novus Ordonarians continue with the hand holding, altar girls, dancing girls, drums, guitars, communion in the hand, clapping, kiss of peace, rock, folk, mariachi music, women running around the altar while the presider as they call them we call them priests just sit in a chair and watch lay people do the work. Will they ever grow up and accept the fact that Vatican II was a total disaster and bring back the True Mass of All Times?????????
Vatican II said nothing about Mass facing the people. Also said nothing about altar girls and the like. No they will never accept the fact that Vatican II was a disaster, mostly because it is “they” who are the disasters. “They” believe totally and completely in themselves and their delusions of righteousness.
Arthur Lee good comments….
The Novus Ordo is but a small change of the Vetus Ordo if it’s done right. Stripped down a bit and with more dialoging but fully focused on the Eucharist, as a sacrifice.
The problem is with too many options and parishes where Option Q is always chosen oven Option A which is supposed to have “pride of place”–and disobedient liturgists who just add their own stuff.
If you’re in the Bay Area try the 10 AM mass at St Edward’s in Newark to see the continuity. Once a month at St. Peter and Paul’s (up in SF) it is almost as good, as well.
Well, Linda and Janek, you are actually right about the wreckovation in this sense:
“Old” St Joseph’s altar was and is a beautiful marble high altar for the traditional liturgy (this was my grandparents’ church and while a small child we traversed from SF to San Jose many times to go here before it was butched in the late 1980’s); it was deemed at the time by the Diocesan Director of Liturgy at the time, “Fr D” (whose name will be withheld: he is still big in the diocese and teaches at Santa Clara U in the religious studies dept.) that, “in order to comply with Vatican II” (his words), the altar had to literally reversed 180 degrees (how appropriate to describe the Novus Ordo Church): So, now this altar is facing away from the nave. In back of the present reduced reredos there is an awkward-looking “adoration chapel” (after all, the adoration of the Eucharist should not be in conflict with the New Liturgy).
Then, a new weird circular altar (because we are all equal) was placed in the center of the Greek cross style church, so everyone can look at each other. This design first came into being in 1906 when Frank Lloyd Wright built his Unity Temple in Chicago as a “good-times meeting house” (his actual words).
In the same way, although the outer shell of beautiful stained glass, some retained statues and artifacts remain, it is just that—an outer shell, with a rejection of the past Catholic tradition and a step forward into the Unitarian unknown.
By the way, the cost of all this wreckovation was well into 7 figures.. It figures.
Well then lead a movement to restore the proper altar. We all know that’s not gonna happen, at least not in our lifetimes. We can spend a lot of energy condemning the “contemporary liturgy” and its accommodations, but we’re probably best advised to focus on growing the Trad movement. I do not agree that the renovation amounted to a wreckovation, certainly not if compared to what has happened elsewhere. The structure and its grandeur was preserved by the grace of God. The building prior to the work looked like it was a candidate for condemnation. It was in serious disrepair. The renovation amounted to all but a rebuild of the entire structure from the copper roof on down. The interior detail is frankly mind boggling in its beauty, and that beauty derives from the pre-conciliar Church. Even if they didn’t touch the altar, it still would’ve cost 7 figures.
Is “Fr D” Dennis Smolarski, who wrote the book on How Not to Say Mass, with no sense of the irony of the title?
Here is what Frank Lloyd Wright, a hugely influential architect, writer, and agnostic Unitarian, famously wrote (ca. 1906, essay, “Designing Unity Temple, Oak Park, Il.”):
“Was not the time come now to be more simple, to have more faith in man on his Earth and less anxiety concerning his Heaven about which he could know nothing? Why not then build a temple, not to God in that way—more sentimental than sense—but build temple to man, appropriate to his uses as a meeting place, in which to study man himself for his God’s sake? A modern meeting-house and good-time place.” (Frank Lloyd Wright, Writings and Buildings, 1960)
“A modern meeting-house and good-time place.” His actual words. Our actual reality now. No Heaven above, no Hell below. Imagine.
Most beautiful churches under went wreckovation in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and even later. To see how awe inspiring these Houses of God were previously, and how they look now is terrible and shocking. Beautiful mosaics destroyed, lovely paintings white washed, pews thrown out and replaced by chairs, marble altars and Communion rails smashed to bits, gold vestments thrown into garbage cans, and statues and other art work discarded and destroyed. An antique store in Chicago, which is now closed, would go to garbage dumpsters and rescue religious items. I had purchased some vestments and relics from this store. Now the diocese wants money. That is a laugh. After destroying the churches, and dishonoring not only God, but the donors who helped build these churches, the diocese now wants more money. The faith of the people has been badly shaken, and maybe even lost. It is a little late to re build these churches when Mass attendance is way down. It is like the saying of “rearranging the deck chairs on the TITANIC”.
Father Karl, forgive as He has forgiven you.
There’s no point in forgiving people who aren’t sorry and have no intention of amending themselves. There’s also no point (in fact it would be the height of stupidity) to donate money to same traitors who will use that money to perpetrate more wreckovation and destruction of the Church. Last I heard Catholics have a moral obligation to avoid funding evil. So I am baffled about your admonishment to ‘forgive.’ Please remember, our brains are gifts from God, we should use them.
“The restoration involves removing the windows, disassembling the window’s many pieces, cleaning, repairing any broken glass, and reassembling the window with new lead molding.”
Based on my one visit to the basilica several years ago, it needs more important changes and restoration than the stained glass windows. The place is a mess.
People — Do not give this project one penny!! This one is easy.
And, tell the bishop and pastor that you are not contributing to it.
The sole exception would be to contribute to a new renovation to fully replace the altar and all other architectural aspects of the Church that were changed to accomodate the “contemporary liturgy”.
Hmmm. Wondering what kind of comment Pope Francis would make about an expensive renovation of this kind. I think I know. What do you think his reaction would be to this costly renovation/restoration?
Why not ask one of your pals, “ONEOFTHESHEEP”? Cardinal Dolan dropped a bundle on St. Patrick’s renovation.
All the better from which to view the dances of the catamites on St. Patrick’s day, and other festivals.
No one cares how the Church leaders misuse money, except if done for anything Traditional. Then, and only then, the warning sirens blast away.
And, how much money did Abp. Weakland spend on his sodomite lover? And on ruining the Catholic Faith in Milwaukee? Was he ever punished?
Having said this, no one should spend money in SJ due to the apostacy of its Bishop and his stubborn refusal to accomodate any resources for Tradition. This outcome results notwithstanding Summorum Pontificum. Never listen to demands from bishops that you obey (they do not) and that you spend money on them (they are not worth it). If you find a keeper here and there, treasure him and provide appropriately, but not for this project.
I very much appreciated reading all the comments, regarding this “renovated/wreckovated” Cathedral. I will go and see it for myself, soon. Star of the Sea Church, in San Francisco, is now having problems, due to angry parents, at Star of the Sea School, some of whom are not even Catholic. They want the school to be secular, “open, accepting, and welcoming to all,” as several parents said– altar girls and all!! The parents are also angry, because the good, orthodox priests, would also like to bring in nuns to teach, at the school! The ignorant parents are pressuring Archbishop Cordileone, to remove these good priests! The church also lost their sacred music program, as the Music Director is on medical leave— traditional sacred music for Mass is now gone. And there will be no Tridentine Masses nor liturgies, for Holy Week! Just on Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday morning!! A great loss!! The angry laymen all need to be taught the true Catholic Faith and Morals— straight from the Catechism!! Well– Vatican II is a FAILURE!! A tragic loss!
Umm, LM, Vatican II is quoted liberally in the Catechism. It was written because the Synod of Bishops asked for it. And the Synod was an invention of Vatican II. So while you may reject VII, you would have to throw away the Catechism as well. At least try to have an internally consistent view of things, lest you appear ignorant and a failure.
Do you REALLY believe that parents are upset because Father Illo wanted to bring back nuns? Did you actually go to the meeting with the parents? Did you talk to them? Did you try to understand all of the things that motivated them to complain about him by the hundreds? Father Illo himself acknowledges that there is tension and value in hearing the parents’ perspective. Even the Archbishop has said at least twice that Illo could have handled things better and that he had to have a talking-to with Illo. So while you may rush to judgement about these parents, everyone else involved, including Illo and Cordileone, seems to think there are legitimate issues here.
“Anonymous,” whoever you are— I don’t think you care at all, about Jesus Christ, or His suffering Church! Why do you try to write posts, on a Catholic website??
Anonymous while I do not agree with Linda Maria’s views on V2, your other comments bashing Father llo are uncalled for! Linda Maria is right to defend Father LLO.
Linda Maria how do you know which anonymous you are talking to? from observing these threads for a while now, there seems to be several.
LM, it is clear from all of your posts that you don’t believe anyone but yourself cares at all about Jesus or his Church. You believe you alone are the judge of souls, of their faith, of their catholicity. You bash bishops and priests and parents and parishioners every chance you get. So I have zero concern that you doubt my faith or my catholicity. In fact, it kind of makes me think I’m on the right path.
Anonymous, do not misquote the Archbishop.
It would be nice if they’d add a few thousand bucks to put kneelers in the pews. Doing away with church-in-the-round is too much to expect.
To the poster Gil– are there actually NO KNEELERS, in this Cathedral?? Oh, what a DISASTER!! The crazy, modern “altar wreckovation,” is all I expected to see that would shock and hurt me, when visiting this truly tragic Cathedral! Oh, HOW SAD!! NO KNEELERS!! A HORROR!! I sincerely hope the next Bishop, after the retirement, someday, of “liberal leftie,” Bishop McGrath– will CRY when he sees this HORROR– and immediately put in kneelers, for his Cathedral!
Yep, no kneelers, and we all face each other, because the devil wants everything to be horizontal and has no knees.
Last time I went there I knelt on the floor.
If they otherwise followed the rubrics, option A every time except when there’s good reason not to, and were reverent it’d be OK and I’d just keep kneeling on that floor. But they don’t, and it’s not reverent, and then they wonder why the cathedral parish doesn’t meet its collection targets and has low attendance. If the liturgical minsters aren’t worshipping there, then who else should?
I’m not saying it’s an invalid mass. But nothing worshipful about it.
Kneelers come before window washing and restoration in my humble opinion.
Are you sure you are not the sheep who has lost his/her way? What have kneelers got to do with building maintenance?
BobOne – officially – Doing a Disservice to the People of God by removing KNEELERS and Altar Rails – – – – – the Church never said to do this.
Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments:
Even the mot humble Catholic missions in remote parts of the world– have KNEEELERS!! GOD HELP US!! How about the GIRM directive, for the Novus Ordo Missae— to KNEEL after the “Holy, Holy, Holy,” (Sanctus), and “Lamb of God” (Agnus Dei )?? And for Holy Thursday, of Holy Week— (this week!)– HOW TRAGICI!! NO KNEELING—to adore the Blessed Sacrament, after the Procession at the end of Mass?? Plus– what do Eucharistic Adorers do, when they have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction?? I am sorry– but the Bishop of San Jose— must be SICK or CRAZY!! One of the two!! He is driving good Catholics and their children, straight out of his Cathedral— and out of the True Church, eventually!! A “Catholic” FRAUD!!
It is obvious, sadly– no Tridentine Mass could possibly be offered– in a Catholic church, without KNEELERS!! Everyone MUST KNEEL– so, worshippers would have to KNEEL ON THE BARE FLOOR, as if they were outdoors, with NO CHURCH!! RIDICULOUS!! Also, with the altar wreckovated, tragically– one must then KNEEL ON THE BARE FLOOR, TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION!!
Gill are you saying the cathedral has no kneelers? Are you sure? Do you mean an altar rail? I have never seen a catholic church without kneelers.
Anon, go to St. Peter’s in the Vatican. Go to most large cathedrals in Europe – no kneelers. It is true, that most parish churches have them, there are churches all over the world that have no kneelers.
” that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ” Phil 2:10.
The further our leaders take us from Sacred Scripture the less respectful the Laity become.
The Catholic Church Doctrine of the Faith teaches that Sacred Scripture is the speech of God in entirety (CCC 81).
As Cardinal Arinze stated – the leaders of the Church do a dis-service except for the exceptions mentioned.
V II never said to do away with kneelers or Altar rails.
Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments:
There is a schism in the Catholic Church and it becomes more pronounced each day. The shameful way Father Illo and Archbishop Cordileone are treated is disgusting. Satan has entered the Catholic Church and he is doing his best to destroy her from within. The dissenters who detest and abhor what Father Illo and the Archbishop have been doing are heretics, and are not worthy to be termed ‘Catholic’. Most High Anglicans are more Catholic then these protestors. These liberal hisses and their ‘church’ will not be around in a few years, because the traditional movement is growing, and the liberal hippie church is dying off. This present mess is all part of the diabolical disorientation that has been in the Church since Vatican II. My prayers are with these two brave priests, and I hope they will not give up the good fight. Ave Maria Purrissima!
This is a very traditional church building. It’s stained glass windows need fixing. If they are not restored, more damage will occur to the building. This is not about what happened many years ago, what direction the altar faces, which form of the Mass is used or anything else other than required maintenance. If you want to carp on someone, we should go after the parish finance committee that let this disrepair happen. Let’s stick to the subject. It’s about windows.
Well Bob One windows if you please but it all leads to the restoration of The Traditional Latin Mass and sacraments. When the TLM is restored to its proper place then we can talk windows.
The high altar has been destroyed, yes the outside is stunning and it looks very Catholic, but with the high altar being “ripped out” and replaced with a dinner table it is only for the “Novus Ordo dinner service.”
Janek, read the GRIM to learn about how an altar should be arranged in a Catholic Church in America, and what to do with the wonderful old main altars that remain in churches if they are truly works of art. The altar must be situated so that the celebrants can walk around it. It is not supposed to be against a wall. A lot of our wishes are for something that is not in GRIM and can’t be without special permission.
Versus populum is an indult and not in the GRIM.
…but an altar away from the wall is in the GIRM. In the old sanctuary was the altar attached to the wall or was it freestanding with a reredos?
Bob One, are you aware that the mysterious imperative of “an altar being situated so that the priest can walk around it” appears nowhere in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacro. Concilium, “SC”)? It does not…At all, Bob One. Check it out.
Where it appears is in the instruction Inter Oecumenici(1964), manufactured in secret by the Bugnini Consilium commission, and then published as tho’ binding well after SC had been completed. The council members never voted on this proposal at all. In other words, this false “commandment” which has led to the destruction of so many magnificent altar pieces, just as versus populum, is another lie of the small clique of Bugnini auto – destruction disciples, and, again, was NEVER approved by the plenary Council Fathers. So does this fake law have any real juridical “council authority?” No, none, nada, zilch, niente.
People worship Vatican II as a false god—and yet a lion’s share of what has wrecked the Church is nowhere even in the actual text of the Council’s decrees. This is a prime example, “moving the altar.” How long yet will it be that this whole false history of the Council and its “laws” will yet still dupe our Catholic people? Yet longer it seems.
And by the way, it is “GIRM”, the Gen. Instruction on the Roman Missal, not GRIM. But the effect is GRIM indeed. And GIRM was not voted on by the Council either, but in its original form (1968) was more Consilium mystery theater.
” The first steps toward liturgical renewal ”
https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/the-city-gates.cfm?id=1022
(Also see link within the article.)
Abp. Annibale Bugnini was a true revolutionary within the Catholic Church who saw the existing Church and traditional liturgy—it’s crowning glory—as its principal embarrassment to modern progress. Just as an illustration of his intentions, this famous quote ( Annibale Bugnini in 1965):
“We must strip from our Catholic prayers and the Catholic liturgy everything which can be the shadow of a stumbling block for our separated brethren, the Protestants.”
Strip away indeed, and even altars, whose history and tradition, stretch back to the pre-Constantinian catacombs, were not spared.