Living Stones

The MSSP Oratory in Birkirkara will be publishing a new book edited by Fr Martin Cilia titled "Living Stones." This new book sheds light on a liturgical centre and its community. I write about this book, and why the Church needs to re-discover the Via Pulchritudinis.

"In creating this space laden with symbolism and meaning, there is much to be applied in a broader context to the journey of faith.

Firstly, the church is not merely about buildings. It is primarily about a community of people who gather together and seek to grow together in faith. This is consistent with the original meaning of the Greek word ecclesia, which stands for an “assembly of people”.

Secondly, though not primarily about buildings, the Church meets in specific spaces for worship and fellowship. These need to be beautiful and welcoming places reflecting the message being proclaimed. As Pope Benedict XVI rightly observed, “the purpose of sacred architecture of today is to offer the church a fitting space for the celebration of the mysteries of faith”.

Thirdly, that same Church must be nourished by the Word of God and the tradition of the Church – both Western and Eastern. These traditions have always valued the Way of Beauty – be it through the poetry of the liturgies, the transcendent quality of its art, the enduring symbolism, the writings of the Fathers of the Church and the monastic and conventual legacies."

The full piece can be read by clicking here. For more information about the book visit Oratorju MSSP.