Each vestment is a second-class relic and evidence of the powerful creative side of the Little Flower.
The original chasuble is not on display, but a photo of it is included. The original maniple and chalice veil are seen here. In the photos can be seen the intense detail of the embroidery. Immense skill is evidenced in the appliqué and gold and silk threads.
The finished product is a springtide of beauty, with flowers from the fields, enameled with lovely hues. Exactly as the Little Flower described in her autobiography when she writes of the world of souls as Our Lord's living garden.
It is truly a lost art to see these hand embroidered works with all the extras: lighter and heavier silk twists, satin stitches, and couched passing threads. And some painted elements.
Thérèse had great devotion to the Holy Face of Tours and this is reflected in the image on the chasuble.
The decoration is full of symbolism. Thérèse chose two white roses to honor her parents, Sts. Louis and Zélie. She also chose to depict white lilies to symbolize the nine children born into her family. Four died in infancy and so they are the flowers that have not bloomed.
The five siblings who survived into adulthood all became fully professes sisters, depicted as the flowers in full bloom. Thérèse identified herself with the lily half hidden behind the Holy Face.
In chapter one of her autobiography, she referred to her siblings as lilies: "He caused eight fair white lilies to spring up there..." (The Story of a Soul, p. 32).
Near the end of chapter seven she writes of Christ, "of Him who loves lilies white as the snow" (The Story of a Soul, p. 129).
Thérèse and her sisters were no strangers to the Roman Rite. Their father, Louis, was a big fan of Dom Prosper Louis Pascal Guéranger, OSB, the Abbot of Solesmes Abbey and a leading voice and founder of the Liturgical Movement in France (in those days associated with a revival in liturgical catechesis and sacred music).
Mr. Martin had in his home library the multi-volume series by Guéranger's on the Mass and liturgical calendar, The Liturgical Year. This excellent resource is today available in English; a very readable and informative multi-volume classic that is a must for teaching the Roman Liturgy.
In her autobiography, Thérèse recounts that her sisters Pauline and Marie would read aloud on winter evenings from the Liturgical Year (The Story of a Soul, p. 51). This work had a considerable influence upon the spiritual life of the Little Flower. The English edition was published in fifteen volumes by Burns Oates and Washbourne, Ltd.
May we be inspired to do the same, teaching sacred liturgy to our children in the context of home life, familiarizing them with this valuable work, illustrating greatness on every page.
And may we see a return to beautiful vestment making, with new creations that flow from the tradition of the Church, made with great care and love, and appreciation for the True Presence. Dearest Thérèse, thank you for showing us your little way!
