This alb was sewn by St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253). It is an exquisite example of the fruit of the "grace of working," as described in the memories of St. Clare, an eloquent example of her devotion to the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. One wonders if she learned this trade from the Benedictines.
Made of pure linen, this wonderful antique has been preserved for centuries by the Franciscans in Assisi. Today it is on display in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi. The shoulders and central inserts are of a special type of embroidery called "draw-thread" work.
As can be seen here, the same embroidery stitch was also used on the rectangular appliqué work, that is to say, the ornamental needlework in pieces of fabric in different shapes sewn onto the alb. Seen here on both sides of the central hem as well as on the cuffs. If the reader looks closely enough to the central band, a repeating image of a deer can be seen in the pattern.
Hopefully this will inspire a new generation of nuns to take up the apostolate of vestment making. In 1996, Pope Paul II observed in his exhortation Vita Consecrata, that widespread loss of faith had left the world as "one great mission land, even in countries of long-standing tradition." This was an important summons, with him calling upon a new generation of consecrated religious nuns to lead a "New Evangelization." The keystone of this effort is Holy Mass and by default the beautification of the sacred liturgy.
