The Dedication of the Priory Church of Our Lady of the Rosary & St. Dominic, London
To some people it must seem strange that we remember and celebrate the anniversary of this Church. Some might argue that it is only a building and to put so much emphasis on bricks and mortar is a rather peculiar practice. One of the most common and clichéd criticisms of the Catholic Church is that we hold our buildings in too much regard. We lavishly decorate them and fill them with elaborate statues and works of art and forget that the true Church is the people of God. The comedienne Sarah Silverman recently produced a video where she encouraged the Holy Father to sell the Basilica of St. Peter’s and give the money to the poor. For many outside the Church the only values they recognise in our buildings are of a cultural, commercial and monetary nature. As Christians however we do not understand our places of worship as merely buildings. They are not just practical assembly venues or glorified meeting houses. This priory Church and all our Church buildings are mirrors that are held up before us to remind us of who we are. The world tells us that we are consumers, employees and citizens, and flashes a constant stream of icons at us every day to remind us of this. The Church building is an icon that reminds us of our deepest and truest identity. As we gather in this building, we who were scattered by diverse loyalties, backgrounds, and life-styles, are now united as the Body of Christ
This reflection originally appeared in the newsletter of the Priory Church of Our Lady of the Rosary & St. Dominic, London, on 1st August 2010. Available here
