Previously we have given consideration to the impressive collection of vestments at the Museu de São Roque/Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, and today I wished to share another set from their impressive collection, this time a pontifical set. The entire set is comprised of thirty four different pieces and would have been destined for the most solemn occasions, such as Christmas and Easter.
The complete set includes not only the usual Mass vestments, but also the various pontifical vestments and, further, additional ornaments such a door hangings, book covers and so on. Our focus, however, are the primary Mass pieces, which were once again created by the Roman atelier of Guiliano Saturni and Francesco Giuliani between 1744-1749. (It would seem the Lisbonites kept them very busy during these years.) There is some mention that the patriarch of Libson may have used these from time to time, though if he had, it is worth noting that he would have worn his own mantum (a long trained cope).
The style of the vestments is entirely typical to the tastes of the era in which they were produced. Heavier, gros de Tours embroidery set onto a white silk lamé, the embroidery itself following naturalistic motifs.
Here is a slightly closer look at the hood/shield of the cope:
The ties for the maniple are more ornamental than usual, including gold tasseled ends.
The burse also contains tassels on each of its four corners, though this was more commonly done at this period of time so it is not unique to this set.
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| Burse |
As in the case of the other examples we explored, this set also came with the traditional missal cushion which was used to lay the missal upon at the altar. No doubt this was inspired in part by Rome where this usage was still more commonly seen, not the more recently missal stand made of metal or wood (for these only became more popular from the seventieth century onward).
Now let us consider the actual pontificals that make this a truly pontifical site. We begin with the gremial. This would have been placed over the lap of the pontificating prelate; its original function related to the protection of the precious vestments typically worn by prelates at the most solemn liturgical occasions.
Next we have the pontifical sandals. Pontifical sandals have been around since early Christian times and appear in early mosaics depicting bishops. They clothe the prelate, down to his very shoes, in the liturgical colour of the day. While he puts these and the corresponding buskins on, he prays the following vesting prayer: "Shod my feet, Lord, unto the preparation of the gospel of peace, and protect me under the cover of thy wings." (Ephesians 6, 15 and Psalm 60, 5)
Next we have the pontifical gloves. As the prelate puts them on he prays: "Place upon my hands, Lord, the cleanliness of the new man, that came down from heaven; that, just as Jacob Thy beloved, covering his hands with the skins of goats, and offering to his father most pleasing food and drink, obtained his father’s blessing, so also may the saving victim offered by our hands, merit the blessing of Thy grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who in the likeness of sinful flesh offered Himself for us." (Genesis 27, 6-29 and Romans 8, 3) These gloves a relatively typical in form with the exception of the ornamental tasseled fringe that has been placed on the bottom of the gloves, which almost give the appearance of fur. 
Last but not least we have the precious mitre (mitra pretiosa) which needs little introduction.
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| Missal Cushion |
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| Chalice Veil |
Beneath the sandals are worn the buskins, a kind of stocking. Stockings are generally relatively plain affairs all said, but those from this particular set are embroidered -- a feature which is only allowed to the very highest ranking prelates such as a patriarch, cardinal or pope.
This particular set also came with a cover for the faldstool. In the Roman rite, the faldstool is used in place of the pontifical throne.
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