While the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion has garnered lots of publicity in recent months, another religious destination, right in the heart of Green Bay, offers visitors an up-close look at artifacts representing the area's rich Catholic heritage.continue at The Compass
The Green Bay Diocese Museum and Cultural Center, located in the lower level of the Bishop Wycislo Center, next to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, is home to some 700 religious objects dating back to the 19th century. The items range from liturgical vestments and sacred vessels to furnishings that once adorned St. Mary Church, which served as the diocese's pro-cathedral until the present cathedral was dedicated in 1881.
The museum opened on June 24, 2004, during the dedication ceremony for the Bishop Wycislo Center led by Bishop David Zubik. Prior to the museum's construction, diocesan artifacts were first housed in a room near the vestibule, which today serves as the bridal room, said Carol Joppe, longtime volunteer and museum caretaker. In 2000, it was moved to an area below the cathedral sacristy known as the undercroft.
Several photos also over at The Compass. I would love to see the Chinese made vestments. I wonder if any of the priests would be allowed to use them for Mass. I'm always glad to see that these items are retained rather than being thrown out. We've probably all heard stories of wreckovations where statues and altars were smashed or thrown into dumpsters. But what was a Catholic treasure in one generation is a Catholic treasure in the next as well.
1 comment:
Been there, and it's just as fascinating (and awe-inspiring) as it looks.
But (arguably) the finest piece of artwork is a small statue in the vestibule of the Cathedral. It's of the Virgin Mary and it is transfixing. There's something about the work which is simply extraordinary.
Seems that the Abp. of Munich was invited to GB for its 100th (??) anniversary of Diocesan erection but had an unexpected schedule conflict, so he sent the statue as a gift instead.
(Munich, because most of the early priests/Bishops of GB were from there).
Anyhoo, the "conflict" occurred when John Paul II called the guy and asked him to come to Rome.....
...as head of the CDF.
You know the rest of the story.
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