Liturgical thought for the day: if our next Pope chooses a Coronation instead of an Installation I will be equally overjoyed as I have been after seeing the exceedingly simple liturgical style of our new Pope Francis. Both of these approaches, the simplistic beauty and the magnificent grandeur have their place in the Church. Both of these styles represent a hidden and mysterious reality. How wonderful it is to know this, to not have to feel like I am being left out or like my preferences are being shunned.
Truly, if our next Pope dawns the Papal Tiara in a Coronation Ceremony I would be overjoyed even as I am overjoyed as simple Francis shuns such ornate vestments.
Holy Mother Church! Do not cannibalize yourself! Let not the hand say to the foot “you are not hand, you must be destroyed,” or let not the thumb say to the fingers “you are so plain and simple, you must be more opposable!”
Here are some beautiful pictures of Francis’ first Papal Mass from Father Z!
annunciationblog.com 
Joe, What a beautiful thought. I am not sure what I think about this question, but I think you have something here – different expressions for different times of the same reality which is Love?
Rosemary
I actually would like it if a future Pope wore the Tiara. I don’t think we have to limit ourselves. For example, if the Popes in certain instances went back to using the royal we in language and in writing I think that would be awesome. I do not think it has to be either or, simplicity or magnificence, grandeur or humility. Both are beautiful, both are praiseworthy. The Church transcends time. Different times bring us into contact with perspectives on mystery that were more obscure to us in other times. That does not mean that we should begin to neglect the expressions of truth, beauty, and love that presented themselves more readily in times past or make ourselves open to new expressions of the same mysteries in the future. A comprehensive return to old practices would probably be misguided on account of the fact that it would make the Church look “out of touch.” However, our primary concern must be for love of the Church and her riches. It is by love of God through the Church that we present the loving Wounds of Christ to a world in need. To celebrate the liturgical heritage of the Church at times in such a way that would not be particularly attractive to the world is a good thing in my opinion because it brings the Church into visible contact with the traditional symbols that represent to her the dignity and mystery of her institution through the celebration of herself and of the mystery of the Sacraments.
Here is something relevant: God is Love: Eucharist is Love: Church is Love
Rosemary,
Thank you for your comment. I forgot to thank you as I got caught up in my reply. I love the back and forth as I find it often opens a window into further reflection.
Joe