The Roman Style Cotta Griccia

A handful of readers have reached out to ask if we can provide crisp images of the wonderful cotta griccia alla Romana.  Following are several photos I took in Rome that help reveal the different patterns evidenced on the same cotta.  It is a fascinating sight to behold.  I hope one day someone can share images online of what the waffle iron looked like that made the griccia pattern in the starched linen.  No doubt in some convent basement in Rome there exists at least a few of these old irons - made in Italy - that have survived the purge.    

One of the reasons I think this style fell into disuse was because the 1960s cultural revolution disqualified the vocations of the nuns who dedicated hours of their time laundering and ironing these items.  Actually, in some ways this question brings to mind a quote of St. Alphonsus, that may give some perspective for those who labor and spend hours to make the liturgy other-worldy and as beautiful as possible. Such labors are not in vain and are only understood in light of pursuing the divine will.  

"It would be the greatest delight of the seraphs to pile up sand on the seashore or to pull weeds in a garden for all eternity, if they found out such was God's will.  Our Lord himself teaches us to ask to do the will of God on earth as the saints do it in Heaven: 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' (Matt. 6:10)."