Over the years we have presented a variety of Pentecost themed vestments. Most of these vestments include the usual elements of the Pentecost dove, while some have included symbols of Pentecost fire, but today we are going to feature something a little bit different. It is a chasuble that was manufactured in Paris between 1928-29, but it was likely commissioned specifically for the Basilica of Notre Dame in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Why do I suggest this? Well, for the simple reason that both the front and the back of the chasuble features an image of the facade of that same basilica. For those who are not familiar with that particular facade, here it is for your reference:
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| Facade of the Basilica of Notre Dame in Montreal, Quebec |
You may well be thinking you haven't seen this impressive basilica before, but the interior of this church is what is especially known to most:
Returning to the vestment in question then, in addition to featuring the facade of this basilica, we also find an image of God the Father, Christ crucified, the Holy Spirit (as symbolized by the dove), and the Virgin Mary holding up the basilica of Montreal that is named after her.
The back is certainly impressive, but admittedly I find myself especially drawn to the embroidered orphrey on the front, perhaps because it presents the more balanced and symmetrical imagery and design. Here we see another image of the Holy Spirit as well as flames of Pentecost fire pouring down upon the basilica -- no doubt meant as a symbol of the both the local and universal church. (What this is perhaps a reminder of is that, at one time, there was a greater emphasis on commissioning works of liturgical art that were especially meaningful to the local church.)
The fact that the vestments are red suggests that, while they could have been used for martyrs days of course, it was no doubt particularly intended for use during the Feast of Pentecost and its corresponding octave, tying together the theme of Pentecost, the birth and life of the Universal Church, with that life of the local church within Montreal specifically and Quebec more generally.
Photo credits: Christine Guest, ©Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
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