Ms. Suzanne Sarah Herold presented her dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Thursday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. Her dissertation was titled, "Christ and the Triumphant Victims: Relics and the Altar in the Ordo Dedicationis Ecclesiae et Altaris."

Final Examination of

Ms. Suzanne Sarah Herold

for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

Thurday, march 31, 2016

10:00a.m., Caldwell Room 125

ABSTRACT:

"Christ and the Triumphant Victims:

Relics and the Altar in the Ordo Dedicationis Ecclesiae et Altaris."

Director: Michael G. Witczak, S.L.D.

This dissertation examines the use of relics in the Ordo dedicationis ecclesiae et altaris in light of the Second Vatican Council's liturgical theology. The dissertation utilizes the method described by Kevin Irwin in Context and Text.

The dissertation begins with a historical study of the extant rites of dedication of a church. It studies how the rite of dedication developed and how relics became a required element of the ritual, including the translation, vigil and deposition of relics. The work looks at the meanings associated with relics as well as the perceived relationship between relics and the altar. Beginning with the Medieval period, relics were understood to be necessary for dedication, with the celebration of Mass a festive completion of the rite. Rites of dedication include the deposition of relics as a central ritual moment from the fourth century through the middle of the twentieth century.

Through historical study, the use of Conciliar documents, and the examination of the role of relics in the schemata of the Consilium, this dissertation presents an analysis of the shifts in the understanding regarding the dedication of a church. The Ordo dedicationis ecclesiae et altaris is then examined in light of the Council's teaching that the liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life. Renewed attention to the importance of the Eucharistic celebration led to the situation of the revised rite of dedication within the Mass and to relics becoming an optional element. The sacrifice of saints and martyrs are once again viewed in light of the Paschal Mystery. This dissertation presents the liturgical and theological implications of including relics in the Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar.

This dissertation presents a new study of the liturgical role of relics in the rite of dedication of a church in light of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It aims to contribute an understanding of the liturgical theology expressed by the use of relics in the Ordo dedicationis ecclesiae et altaris.

About Suzanne:

Suzanne S. Herold was raised in Florham Park, New Jersey. Suzanne completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2007.  Suzanne's love of liturgical architecture was cultivated during her time at La Salle and by her travels to Europe. She then began her studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and, in 2009, earned a Master of Arts degree in Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology. Suzanne then began pursuing a doctoral degree in Liturgical Studies at The Catholic University of America.

While pursuing her theological studies, Mrs. Herold worked in both Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. In Washington, D.C., she worked in the Archives of the Archdiocese of Washington and as a Teaching Fellow for The Catholic University of America. In New Jersey, Suzanne works for the Borough of Florham Park. She and her husband, Dallas, are active volunteers in their community, serving on the Borough's Historic Preservation Commission, Fourth of July Committee, and Gazebo Committee.

Summary of Coursework:

TRS     500A    Theological Latin

TRS     502      Greek for Theology

TRS     641      Sacraments of Initiation

LSC     608      Collection Development

LSC     647      Preservation

TRS     727B    Formation of Orthodoxy

TRS     728H    Public Catholicism in the US 20th Century

TRS     728J     American Catholics and Social Reform

TRS     740      Liturgical Sources

TRS     741A    Liturgy: Theological and Historical Perspectives

TRS     741B    Liturgy and Culture

TRS     742B    Liturgy of the Hours and Community Prayer

TRS     743E    Liturgies: Christian Marriage

TRS     744      Eucharist: A Liturgical Theology

TRS     747      Cult of Saints in Liturgical Practice

TRS     748A    Byzantine Divine Liturgy

TRS     749      Holy Spirit in Liturgical Celebration

TRS     754E    Medieval English Spirituality

TRS     840      Liturgical Theology

TRS     846      Liturgies of Death and Dying

TRS     848      Mystagogy

TRS     897      Directed Research: Christian Worship Space

TRS     997      Doctoral Dissertation Guidance