This series of morceaux are focusing upon the Mass, and in particular what’s needed for its proper celebration. Last week I spoke about the importance of a clean, un­clut­tered church. Obviously, though, good décor is more than this. It sets the whole environment for worship.

First of all, proper décor highlights what’s truly important at worship, and doesn’t distract from it. Have you ever been at a wedding, for example, when a “jungle” of flowers and candles was so overdone it made you laugh? Most of us have. (A classmate of mine tells the wonderful story of a wedding he once attended: part of the décor was a cage of “calling birds,” and sure enough they screeched throughout the whole Mass!)

Therefore, in decorating, flowers, plants, and candles are used to enhance the visual mood, not overpower. We don’t block people’s vision. We don’t emphasize ostentation but instead try to reflect Gospel values of simplicity and integ­rity. We sure don’t want to give anyone the impression that our religion is merely “for show,” even though we always insist on it being attractive.