As we have noted before, the pax instrument -- also called a pax brede (board), osculatorium , or instrumentum pacis -- was a tablet that was devised in the course of the middle ages as a more sanitary means of passing the peace during liturgies -- peace that is otherwise pa…
More Examples of the Pax Tablet or Pax Brede
As we have noted before, the pax instrument -- also called a pax brede (board), osculatorium , or instrumentum pacis -- was a tablet that was devised in the course of the middle ages as a more sanitary means of passing the peace during liturgies -- peace that is otherwise pa…
Papal Mantum of Pope Pius VII
Pope Pius VII reigned as Roman pontiff for the years 1800 to 1823. Pius VII was a monk of the Order of St. Benedict who was ordained a priest in 1765, consecrated a bishop in 1782 and made a cardinal three years later. In 1799 he was elected pope following a six month perio…
Terracotta Aumbries of Renaissance Tuscany
In terms of the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, since the time of Trent Catholics are typically accustomed to the use of tabernacles for this purpose, however this is only one form for reserving the Eucharist. Historically there was also other forms such as the hangin…
A Seventeenth Century Nativity Frontal from the Workshop of the Ursulines of Quebec
Earlier this month on the feast of the Immaculate Conception we had featured an altar frontal that was designed and created in the seventeenth century by Mother Marie Lemaire des Anges and the Ursulines of Quebec. That particular frontal featured an image of the Immaculate …
Christmas in Rome: the Chapel of the Sacra Culla (Sacred Crib of Bethlehem)
Christmas Day takes on special meaning at the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome (in Latin, Sacro Sancta Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris ). There in the crypt chapel under the high altar is kept this charming reliquary that allegedly holds certain wood fragments …
St. Nicholas' Church in Ancient Myra
Located in the ancient city of Myra (now modern day Demre in Turkey) is the church of St. Nicholas. The church is built over the original burial place of St. Nicholas, the fourth century bishop of Myra. In a certain sense, I suppose one might, tongue firmly planted in cheek…
The Castello della Magione di Poggibonsi: Centre of Resplendent Liturgical Arts
The Castle of Magione, located on the famous Via Francigena, or pilgrim's route to Rome, is a small Medieval complex that includes a chapel in the town of Poggibonsi. This beautiful little hamlet is very close to Florence and Siena. Several years ago I was privileged to…
A Closer Look at the Vestments of a Papal Canonization Mass in 1964
Photographs of the papal liturgies of yesteryear, especially solemn papal Masses, frequently excite a great deal of interest for reason of their splendour and beauty. Frankly, it can be overwhelming (in the very good sense). For many there is also an element of mystery to b…
The Advent Masses of St. Kateri's Mission
November 6 th 2023 marked the 350 th anniversary of the death of Catherine Gandeaktena, who with
her husband founded the Mohawk mission now known as Kahnawake, the jewel of the Eastern Woodland Indian missions and the home of the Canadian National Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwi…
A Russian Vestment Set Made of Reindeer Fur and Mammoth Bone
Typically our focus here at LAJ is on Catholic liturgical art, specifically Western liturgical art. This isn't for the reason that Eastern Christian (be that be Eastern Catholic or Orthodox) art is of no interest to us -- far from it. No, it is rather because in the Lat…
The St. Wenceslas Chasuble from the Czech Republic
LAJ has shown a lot of violet vestments over the years, but perhaps none as unique as this one. The chasuble, which is referred to as the St. Wenceslas chasuble for reason that St. Wenceslas features prominently on the back of the chasuble, is dated to 1487 but I suspect it…
Examples of Medieval Pontifical Sandals
In a previous article, Pontifical Sandals: A Brief History and Consideration , we gave a general overview and historical consideration of liturgical "sandals" (i.e. shoes) that are traditionally worn by prelates within the context of liturgical tradition of the Lat…
Before and After: St. Monica's Catholic Church in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Many of our "before and after" series involve major restorations or renovations, and while those projects are clearly of interest, it is worth noting that even projects that are smaller in scale can have a noteowrthy impact. Today's instance, which was execut…
Examples of French Gothic Revival from the First Half of the Twentieth Century
Some of the very most interesting examples of gothic revival vestments come from turn of the century France and today I thought we could explore a few of them. First, however, a comment. Sometimes the impression people have of gothic revival vestments can be lukewarm at bes…
A Polychrome Marble Altar by Rugo Stone
In past articles we have noted that amongst some of the most noble and beautiful altars are those which employ polychrome marbles set into beautiful patterns and arrangements. This particular tradition is especially visible in places such as Rome where red, green, gold and …
Marie Lemaire des Anges' 1675 Altar Frontal of the Immaculate Conception in Quebec City
With today being the feast of the Immaculate Conception it seemed like a good opportunity to share an an antepnedium dedicated to the same, coming from the second half of the seventeenth century and taken from the exhibition “Broder comme une Ursuline" which was hosted…
The Potentiality for Modern Roman Basilica Styled Churches as Seen in Santa Croce in Via Flaminia
Normally when one goes to Rome, one naturally looks for the ancient churches -- and why wouldn't you after all? Going to Rome and not focusing in on the treasures of its ancient basilicas and sites would be a bit like travelling there and looking only for fast food chai…
A Chasuble from the Sixteenth Century
This late sixteenth century chasuble is yet another instantiation of the high end of the Renaissance style and tastes. The composition is one that we've covered many times before. A red and gold silk velvet done in the 'a griccia' motif that was so prized within…
On the Use of Tapestries at Traditional Papal Masses and Ceremonies: A Brief Survey
A feature of the traditional papal liturgies and ceremonies of yesteryear that has been lost in the post-conciliar period (at least to date) is the use of tapestries for the papal throne and, in the case of the Sistine Chapel, as the dossal for the altar. These tapestries …
A Violet Vestment from the Eighteenth Century
As we look to begin the season of Advent this weekend, I thought we'd take a moment to share a beautiful pale violet vestment from the eighteenth century -- specifically, in this instance, coming from 1750-1774. Eighteenth century tastes were such that they typically fa…
