We were pleased to be sent the following photos from the curator of an exhibition taking place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Mary's in Covington, Kentucky. That basilica recently dedicated additions to their facade and as part of their celebrations they established a small exhibition to honour of the founding bishop of the present cathedral:,/div>
Some further details:
As noted earlier, this display was coordinated in relation to additions to this basilica's beautiful facade. Here is the facade in question:
The Diocese of Covington, KY, blessed and dedicated 24 new statues and two tympana for the facade of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption on Sunday, June 6. To honor Bishop Camillus Paul Maes (1846-1915) the third bishop who built the Cathedral and facade, the cathedral has created a temporary display of Bishop's Maes clothing and personal effects on view through the end of June. Displayed in the Maes Crypt Chapel where the remains of Bishop Maes are entombed, visitors can see items ranging from episcopal clothing to the trowel used at the Cathedral’s cornerstone laying ceremony in 1910. Of special note is the formal wear of the young trainbearer to Bishop Maes from 1906-1909. For Cathedral hours and liturgy times, visit covcathedral.com
The exhibition, which is set within the geographical and political context of the American "bible belt," shows the traditional splendour of Catholic prelatial choir dress including the winter mozzetta, choir cassock with train, the tasseled choir fascia and, of course, the cappa magna. In addition, we are also treated to the unique dress of train bearer in this particular instance.
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| The display set around the tomb of the bishop |
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| Bishop Maes shown in a historical photo wearing the same choir dress presently on display |
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| A better view of the winter mozzetta as well as the splendid crozier |
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| The train of the cappa magna |
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| The dress of the train-bearer |
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| Crocheted buttons adorn the choir cassock; the tasseled choir fascia is visible just to the upper right |
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| Pontifical gloves are not a normal part of choir dress, but rather liturgical dress, but they were included in the exhibition for dispaly reasons. Visible also is the episcopal ring with its amethyst stone. |
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| The trowel that was used in the founding of the cathedral. |
As noted earlier, this display was coordinated in relation to additions to this basilica's beautiful facade. Here is the facade in question:
Many thanks to our reader for sending this in. Those readers who are interested in the matter of the traditional formal choir dress of the Church may wish to see some of the articles we have posted on the subject over the years.
