Priestly Ordinations 2011 - part 4

The fourth in this series of Ordination vestments features sets of vestments  prepared for a young man who was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Diocese of Richmond (USA)  on 18th June.

Father Brian Capuano offered his Mass of Thanksgiving in S' Benedict's Church, Richmond (see adjacent photographs).

Please pray for Father Capuano and all newly-ordained priests.

Saint Benedict's Church Richmond VA (1928)

The ordinand asked for a chasuble in the Borromeon style.  A Renaissance-foliage silk damask in ivory was chosen for the vestments, ornamented with a silk damask of burgundy and gold, outlined with a narrow galloon. The ornamentation is in the traditional Roman style of the TAU. The chasuble was fully lined in cherry-red cotton.

In addition, a cope, humeral veil and dalmatic were prepared to complement the chasuble.  Made from the same fabrics, these are shewn below.  The hood of the cope is also in the style of the 16th century, typically Roman in shape, but pre-dating the exaggerated dimensions found in copes of the later Baroque period.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

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Affording costly vestments

Good-quality vestments, especially if they are handmade and use silk fabrics, are quite costly.  Indeed, they always have been.  Once, I read on a website (I can't remember where it was), a strategy for being able to afford a vestment which seems too expensive.  It may be useful for readers.  It goes something like this...

Father had his heart set on a particular set of vestments, but didn't have the money to purchase them.  The Parish had many commitments and could not justify making such a purchase.  But the Parish did buy them and then they were put on display in the Church, with this sign:

These new vestments were recently purchased.  When we have raised enough money to pay for them, they will be used at the Altar.  Until then, they are only for display.

It didn't take too long for the money to be raised for the vestments to be used for Mass and more besides; in fact, enough for another set to be purchased!  The Parish loves the vestments and loves to see Father wearing them for Mass.

Mass on the Feast of S' Lawrence

I couldn't resist putting up this post about a Mass held this evening in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, on the Feast of Saint Lawrence.  Thanks to Dr Chris Steward for the photographs.  This Mass was celebrated at the magnificent Sacred Heart altar, one of the many remarkable features of this noble church, designed by the renowned Gothic Revival architect William Wardell.  The Borromeon-style vestments used at this Mass had been made some years previously by the Studio and look rather well in the setting!

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Prayers at the Foot of the Altar

Reading of the Gospel

At the Offertory