Tuesday, November 04, 2008

The Art of (Liturgical) Book Binding

I have always rather enjoyed the art of book binding generally, and particularly as it relates to liturgical books. Three particularly struck me recently and I thought, as part of our general approach toward the promotion of liturgical craftsmanship and quality, they would be interesting to share.







There are still binders who do this kind of work, and people often think of various gifts for churches and priests, from chalices to vestments, but they might want to also consider this sort of donation/gift as well.

A precious binding in point of fact drives home the preciousness of what is inside: the texts and ceremonies that comprise the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the highest prayer of the Church. In this regard we might keep in mind the recent thoughts of papal Master of Ceremonies, Msgr. Guido Marini: "...everything in the liturgy, also in its details, which conveys beauty, harmony and splendour, does not distract from the mystery of God, but really helps to meet Him who is infinite Beauty."

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