Six Ornamental Cope Hoods

Six Ornamental Cope Hoods It is well enough known that the hood of the cope was originally a functional hood that could be used to protect the cleric from the outer elements. As the function of cope broadened from an outer protective vestment, the hood gradually became a more ornamental and less fu…

The Genuine Art of the Processional Banner

The Genuine Art of the Processional Banner We haven't yet had the opportunity to give much consideration to the world of the processional banner where the liturgical arts are concerned and today I wished to begin to remedy this omission. I must preface this, of course, by noting that when many think of "ba…

Marian Blue, Gold and White Vestments from Benedicamus

Marian Blue, Gold and White Vestments from Benedicamus For those who admire blue vestments for Marian feasts but who do not live within locales where this privilege is available, take heart, there are some options available to you that remain within both the letter and spirit of the law. Generally the way this is manifest is b…

Bavaria in America: A Tour of St. Mary's in Wausau, Wisconsin

Bavaria in America: A Tour of St. Mary's in Wausau, Wisconsin Many of our readers will be familiar, at least by sight if not by name, with St. Mary's Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. This particular church is under the care of the Institute of Christ the King (ICRSS) and found within the diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin.  The church, …

An Introduction to the Baltimore Office (1888)

An Introduction to the Baltimore Office (1888) The Baltimore Office is a shortened version of the Divine Office that was specifically recommended for the laity by the American bishops in 1888. Like the better-known Baltimore Catechism, it gets its name from the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1884), under whose aut…

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul, Minnesota

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul, Minnesota One of the most beautiful and unique Gothic Revival churches in North America is the church of the Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul, Minnesota.   This Neo-Gothic structure with English Tudor motif is one of many noteworthy churches in Minnesota, a land with a rich landscape …