The Church Visible: The Ceremonial Life and Protocol of the Roman Catholic Church

Fascinating work detailing the sometimes bewildering and archaic sights, sounds and ceremonies of the upper echelons of the Roman Church. A "must-read" for Vatican watchers and liturgists. This book describes the proper forms and protocols of upper-Church functions and rites and relates the history and proper usage of the emblems and insignia. This book is decidedly traditional... if you're looking for expressions of post Vatican II liturgical experimentalism, you will not find it here.

"The Church Visible" is not about Catholic theology or doctrine, but it does concern an area of no less fascination and interest: the ceremonial life, protocol, and ritual of the Roman Catholic Church. Although late 20th century Catholics might tend to think of the Church as a purely spiritual entity, for nearly 1500 years it was also a political powerhouse and the source of almost all of the culture and customs of Western Europe. "The Church Visible" examines the present-day incarnation of the Church in her external life: ceremonies, traditions, vestments, insignia, protocol, and temporal and spiritual governance. The book is divided into five sections: the Vatican itself, papal honors including orders of knighthood, Church protocol, vestments and insignia, and a brief history of the papacy. A glossary, a name and subject index, and a variety of appendices including several Church documents are included. Several impressive Catholic figures also have brief forewords including John Cardinal Krol, John Cardinal O'Connor, and Archbishop John P. Foley. Noonan has done a wonderful job of answering those niggling questions that never seem to be answered in the standard Catholic Q and A books, such as the reason why cardinals have their title placed in the middle of their name and how exactly a papal election is performed. For the latter, the author leads the reader step by step through the protocol that follows the death of a pope, citing examples from recent history, and then to the election process and then enthronement of a new pope. He even includes sample liturgies and ceremony programs that have been used in the past. The chapter on the College of Cardinals is especially a gem. Moving on, he examines the different papal honors, who may receive them, how they should be worn, and their relative precedence to other honors. He then studies the two major equestrian orders, the Knights of Malta and the nights of the Holy Sepulcher. For any readers entranced by the idea of knighthood and chivalry from the time they were children, as this reviewer was, these chapters are a joy to read as they reveal that true knighthood, that which begins with Christ, still exists in the world today, and that chivalry does have a place in the 20th century. The section on protocol is very interesting and especially helpful for Americans who are not used to matters of rank, protocol, and etiquette. Here Noonan even provides sample dinner menus and invitations from past functions. The chapter on forms of address is also a practical guide for anyone who may have an opportunity to write to any clergyman. Overall, this section will be mainly interesting for those who are curious about orders of precedence and etiquette, even if most will never have the chance to be part of formal pomp and circumstance. The final section that will be of general interest is the coverage of vesture and insignia. Do you know what a zuchetto is? Do you know w

Mr. Noonan is a great writer. His beautiful book shows the Church protocol, the Papal Orders and the ceremonial life in the Church.It is a delicious book with colorful pictures and a deep information from an authority in this special matter. This book is a fine gift for God, the Papacy and the catholics. Alonso Jaramillo, Noble a Fuero de España.

This is a thoroughly researched compendium of the Ceremonial Life and Protocol of the Catholic Church. It illustrates with precision, the purpose behind the action and brings to light the richness found within the Churches "external life". Any laity or cleric studying Theology will find this a useful authoritative reference text for their library. It should be required reading for all men studying for the Catholic Sacramental Priesthood. It would also serve as an excellent book for Parish Libraries, Parish Liturgists and Adult Study Groups. This author received the Papal skull-cap after completing this work. Is this not a positive Review? George F. Zerucha, PA-C Student IRPS Graduate Program / Univ of Dallas

I just became a catholic and bought two copies of this book. First was presented to Sister who taught me in RICA. Father at the Parish would not put it down. So I bought him a copy. You will trully enjoy. Peace be with you.