.- After being confiscated by the Communist government almost 50 years ago, the Cathedral of St. Vitus in Prague has finally been returned to the Catholic Church, thanks to a ruling by the Czech Republic’s Supreme Court.
During the Communist period, the Czech government seized control of the cathedral in 1954. Years later, after the return of democracy to the country, officials in Prague agreed to return it to the Church and began a judicial process that lasted 13 years.
Petr Haje, spokesman for the Prague Castle, said that as of the moment of the handover, “the management declines any responsibility for visitors or for the sale of tickets to the Cathedral. Visits to the Castle…no longer include entrance to the Cathedral, and the new Church administrators will be the ones to offer guided tours of the royal crypt, the tower, and the apse,” Haje said.
The Archbishop of Prague, Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, praised the decision saying, “A monument like the Cathedral of St. Vitus is part of the cultural heritage of the people, and thus everyone together will have to assume responsibility for maintaining it.”
The cardinal said there are plans to make improvements to the Cathedral in order to bring more dignity to the liturgy, as well as to dedicate a chapel to St. Adalberto, who was bishop of Prague and suffered martyrdom in 997.
Czech Republic returns Cathedral of St. Vitus to the Church
Related news
- Cardinal participates in International Forum on the model and frontiers of Europe
- Pope calls on Europe to ‘return to its Christian roots’; for youth to become ‘leaven’
- Holy Father hopes ‘Torch of Peace’ will encourage spread of Christian values in Europe
- Vatican official: Europe will only be agent of peace if it guards human dignity
Related articles
- Meeting with benefactors and organizers of the 23rd World Youth Day at the Reception Hall of Cathedral House and in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary's Cathedral
- Greetings of the Pope to the personnel of the Palace of Belem after the courtesy visit to the President of the Republic
- Greeting at Santiago cathedral
- Pope's homily at Santiago cathedral
* The number of messages that can be online is limited. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages
Featured Videos
May
25
Liturgical Calendar
May 25, 2013
Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeAll readings:
Today »
This year »
Catholic Daily
Gospel of the Day
Mark 10,13-16
Gospel
Date
05/25/13
05/24/13
05/23/13
Homily of the Day
Mark 10,13-16
Homily
Date
05/25/13
05/24/13
05/23/13
























