Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Monday, 30 November 2020

Lace in a Penitential Season


The Liturgical Arts Journal has a valuable discussion from Shawn Tribe as to whether it is appropriate, or indeed permissible, for clergy and servers to wear lace albs and trimming at the altar in the penitential seasons or at Masses for the Dead.

If to some this might appear abstruse, it is actually a fit topic in itself as to how appropriate honour is to be paid to the Sacrament and to the occasion in such seasons. It is also part of the wider topic of the extent to which due dignity is lent to public worship. It might be seen as an appropriate reflection for Advent - how should we ceremonially mark Advent? How do we understand the importance of how liturgy is performed and presented?

The carefully researched post can be read at The Use (Or Not) of Lace in Penitential Times


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