Ash Wednesday

In 2010, Father Jeffrey Lee from Trenton, New Jersey (USA) commissioned the Saint Bede Studio to prepare a Solemn Mass set for the season of Lent, comprising several chasubles and dalmatics. The principal chasuble was prepared in that style referred to as semi-conical: a modified cut of the ancient shape of the chasuble.

These vestments were made from a Roman purple brocade, ornamented with another brocade in silver and black and outlined with a narrow galloon. To increase the sombre visual effect, a chevron in black silk was added to the chasuble.

One of the concelebration chasubles is also shewn, ornamented more simply, but with the same scheme.

Parts of the set were completed last year, whilst a further two chasubles were prepared for Ash Wednesday 2012.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

These photographs are the copyright of The Times of Trenton.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Albes

The importance of a graceful albe in clothing the ministers of the altar cannot be overestimated.  Frequently albes are seen about our altars which are dirty or ragged, or too short: all very unseemly.  A beautiful vestment can only be fully appreciated when worn with a well-presented albe.

There are several different styles of albe presently available commercially, but the style made by the Saint Bede Studio is that style which was common throughout the Mediaeval period and through into the Renaissance.

It has no fastening at the neck, but a circular yoke, which goes over the head quite easily.  Its sitting away from the neck is a real an advantage in keeping the neckline clean.  These albes are well-gathered at the yoke and fall in graceful folds, rather than being stretched over the wearer in a skimpy manner.

Whenever possible, albes made by the Saint Bede Studio are of pure linen, although the weight of the linen we use varies according to our customer's needs.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

An old favourite

Of all the styles of vestments regularly made by the Studio, the Maria Regina chasuble is the one enquired about most often. 

These vestments, made from an Ivory-coloured damask and lined in blue dupion silk, are ornamented in a braid specially made for the Studio, based upon the work of AWN Pugin.  The chasuble is usually made in the style of the 16th century: being not very wide and pointed at the front and the back.

This particular set was made for a young priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Click on the image for an enlarged view. 

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Archdiocese of Dublin

Some months ago, an English priest resident in the Archdiocese of Dublin  commissioned the Studio to make a set of vestments for use in his Parish, based on the familiar pictures of Saint Philip Neri.  The result  is shewn in the picture  at the left.  This chasuble is of ivory and straw ecclesiastical brocade and is ornamented with another brocade in burgundy and gold.  The effect is very rich.

The Saint Bede Studio developed its own interpretation of this 16th century style of chasuble, based upon extensive research, but adapted for modern use.  It is not an attempt to exactly reproduce 16th century exemplars.  This Saint Philip Neri chasuble has proved a particularly popular style with young priests.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

For the Season "Per Annum"

The Studio has been working on a commission for a Solemn Mass set in green for a Parish in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis.  The adjacent photograph shews a dalmatic from this set.

The vestments are made from a Green English brocade, lined in red silk and ornamented with an orphrey braid in Red, burgundy and gold.  This braid, based on a design by AWN Pugin, has been especially produced for the Saint Bede Studio.

A future post which describe further parts of the set.

Click on the photograph for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Labels

Frequently, enquirers ask me for a catalogue of vestments produced by the Studio, but since our work is custom-made, a catalogue generally cannot be supplied.  Instead, I usually direct enquirers to look through the Blog to find photographs of vestments they might find appealing.

Realising, however, that this is time-consuming, I am tweeking this Blog by adding LABELS to most posts (retrospectively).  This has now been completed.

This will allow visitors readily to search for styles and colours of vestments that have been featured here, which I hope will be useful.

A Request to 2012 Ordinands

If you are approaching priestly ordination in mid-2012 and are considering approaching the Saint Bede Studio for ordination vestments, PLEASE contact us without further delay. A request left too late may result in disappointment all 'round.

A Blessed Christmas

To all friends, customers and readers of this Blog, sincere wishes for a Blessed Christmas.

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill be made low; the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain; and the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.
Isaiah 40:4-5.

Michael Sternbeck
The Saint Bede Studio.

Festal Vestments

A returning customer commissioned the Studio to prepare a Solemn Mass set for Greater Days.  A chasuble, cope, dalmatic and tunic were made from a splendid Renaissance-style silk damask in silver and gold, ornamented with a silk damask of burgundy and gold, outlined with a narrow galloon.  All the vestments were fully lined in cherry-red cotton.

The ornamentation of the chasuble (see below) was in the traditional Roman style of the TAU.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Chasuble in the Borromeon form

Pontifical Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne

In the beautiful setting of the Sacred Chapel of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, well-known Liturgist and auxiliary bishop of Melbourne, the Most Reverend Peter Elliott, offered Pontifical Low Mass in the Usus Antiquior on Wednesday 14th December: a ferial day in Advent.  The Bishop was assisted by Chaplains to the Latin Mass Apostolate in Melbourne, Fathers Colin Marshall and Glen Tattersall.




Some photographs taken on the occasion by Dr Chris Steward are included.  Other photographs can be viewed here.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.