Abstract
The Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium specifically contains provisions concerning liturgy but also the preservation of historical monuments and issues of sacred art. There is an urgent question in connection with the development of modern art as to which type of art is suitable for the sacred, liturgical space and which is not. This begs the question as to how to define sacred art. Another problem is raised, however, in connection with the preservation of historic buildings (esp. churches), that being how to reconcile the requirements of church and those of state heritage preservation? Specific questions are presented by disused churches, their sale and subsequent use. There is also the issue of the formation of candidates for the priesthood and priests concerned with preservation of historical monuments and sacred art. The issue will be discussed on the basis of church documents (general and particular) and selected relevant examples.The paper will be focused on the Sacrosanctum Concilium 44-46, 122-129 in connection not only with preservation of historic church buildings, but with the issue of sacred art (modern art in the Church, sacred furnishings, the commission for sacred art) and that of unneeded “redundant” churches: the use of church buildings for other/secular purposes.
Highlights
The Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium contains provisions concerning liturgy and the preservation of historical monuments and issues of sacred art
There is an urgent question in connection with the development of modern art as to which type of art is suitable for the sacred, liturgical space and which is not
In connection with the preservation of historic buildings, that being how to reconcile the requirements of church and those of state heritage preservation? Specific questions are presented by disused churches, their sale and subsequent use
Summary
Concilium is primarily associated with the renewal of liturgy, liturgical reform. A number of its provisions, are dedicated to care for historical monuments and the issue of sacral art in the context of the liturgy, liturgical space (44–46, 122–129) and . In order to maintain objectivity, the Council required ordinaries to hear the opinion of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Art and possibly other experts and committees when assessing works of art. In order to be able to do this, the Council recalled the need that the candidates of priesthood would educate themselves in history of art understanding the principles of sacred art. In consequence, they will be able to appreciate and preserve the Church’s venerable monuments, and be in a position to aid, by good advice, artists who are engaged in producing works of art (SC 129). To enable Church leaders to truly evaluate art, students of theology were supposed to be educated in the area of art[10]
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