Saint Giles Gothic Revival Vestments

The Studio recently completed this set of Festal vestments which forms part of a benefactor's donation to the Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Lewisham (Archdiocese of Sydney).  This historic church is undergoing a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment.

These attractive vestments were made from a lovely silk damask of a very muted shade - platinum - and were lined in a  red-coloured taffeta. The chasuble is in the Studio's Saint Giles style, being a contemporary refinement of the Gothic Revival style.

The simple ornament is formed from one of the braids designed by the Studio, in colours of gold upon red.  The braid is directly based on work of AWN Pugin.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Concerning the Shades of Violet

Two shades of "violet".

Often is read here and there vigorous assertions about the "correct" colour of vestments to be used during Lent and Advent. If you have wondered what colour the Church recommends for these Seasons, you may find these posts on our Blog ( here and here) illuminating.

The adjacent photograph depicts two different shades of the colour "violet".  Violet is a blue-tinged colour: it is quite distinct from the colour purple, a shade of which is used as the choir dress for bishops and lesser prelates.

The darker of the two shades is close to that colour described as indigo.

As Lent Begins

As Lent approaches, we are pleased to feature this set of vestments made by the Studio and recently purchased by a priest of the Diocese of Clifton UK.

The vestments were made from silk dupion according to our Saint Giles design. The chasuble is unlined, but has a facing on the underside of the neckline to give a neat and substantial finish to the opening.

These vestments are in a rich shade of purple. The ornament is formed from an orphrey braid designed by the Saint Bede Studio, being inspired by Celtic and Carolingian art. The colours of the braid are burgundy, gold and white upon a red base.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com 

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Priestly Ordinations 2017 : 6

Each year, the Saint Bede Studio has the privilege of preparing sacred vestments for priestly Ordinands. Happily, 2017 was no exception.

In this post, we are pleased to draw attention to the ordination of Father Konrad Gagatek of the Archdiocese of Perth (Australia).  Father Gagatek was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in Saint Mary's Cathedral on 17th November by the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Rev'd Timothy Costelloe SDB, along with five other ordinands.

Father Gagatek commissioned a set of Marian vestments from the Studio in the Borromeon style. This design we have named Regina Coeli.

The vestments were made from a brocade in a bright white.  The ornament, in the Roman style, was formed from a damask in colours of Peacock Blue and silver, outlined with a galloon also in silver. The vestments were lined in a blue taffeta, matching the colour of the orphrey.

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

We are pleased to include in this post a photograph taken during the Ordination Mass of Father Gagatek.  

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Father Konrad Gagatek (2nd from the right)
during the celebration of the Mass of Ordination.
Image: Archdiocese of Perth.

To What End Sacred Vestments?

Solemn Mass at the Abbey of 
Saint Madeleine, Le Barroux.

If we were to accept the notion that a priest is the "president of the christian assembly" then what he wears to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy would be merely an expression of his personality or tastes. The notion of presider is an entirely modern (and an execrable) concept. A priest, bishop or Pope celebrates the Sacred Mysteries. In the East, the term used is to serve.

Because the celebrant is least of all a "presider", what he wears should not essentially be about his own preferences and personality. A priest should ask of himself :

Is what I am wearing worthy of my ministry standing between God and man to offer the Holy Sacrifice?

Will what I am wearing draw those who look upon me during Mass into a closer appreciation of the Sacred Mysteries, in other words, will it raise their hearts and minds to God?

Or will it act as a distraction to the Faithful attending Mass?