C onrad Schmitt Studios have provided us with yet another 'before and after' project, this time coming out of the parish church of St. Francis Borgia in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The present church building was originally constructed in the year 1870 and over the century…
Before and After: St. Frances Borgia in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
C onrad Schmitt Studios have provided us with yet another 'before and after' project, this time coming out of the parish church of St. Francis Borgia in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The present church building was originally constructed in the year 1870 and over the century…
A Sampling of Some Medieval Byzantine Processional Crosses
Very often when one thinks of 'Byzantine art' we naturally tend to jump in our thoughts towards the beautiful icons found on wood panelled boards but, historically speaking, Byzantium was known for much more than just that. They were known for various arts and luxur…
Vestments From the Sacristies of 18th, 19th and Early 20th Century Quebec
In the past, we have featured some of the particularly beautiful chasubles of the Ursulines of Quebec ; these are works that rival anything being produced at this same time on the European continent. The same may also be said of some of the beautiful antependia the Ursulines…
A Roman Tradition: Lamé Silk Chasubles
There is a custom seen in Rome of lamé silk chasubles. This is a particular type of fabric woven or knit with metallic threads combined with thin silk threads. The effect is a material that produces a shine or a glimmer, a sort of heavenly glow. The style became popular in …
A Beautiful Hand-Painted Replica of the Icon of the Madonna Salus Populi Romani
In Roman circles and Catholic circles that have a particular passion and interest in the Eternal City, one of the most popular and venerated historical icons is that of the Madonna Salus Populi Romani. The icon in question takes it name from its historical association with…
The Macchina Barocca (Baroque Machine) of the Church of the Gesù
One of Rome's best kept secrets is the daily Baroque musical catechesis given at the Jesuit church of the Gesù. It begins every day in the left transept in the chapel of St. Ignatius at 5:30 pm and lasts just several minutes. This altar is significant because it showcas…
A Look at Some Custom Wood-Carved Altars and an Ambo from Swiatek Studios in New York
Located in the Western New York State area, Swiatek Studios has been working for over half a century now in the realm of historic building restorations. While their work includes both sacred and secular projects, the studio has quite a history and portfolio in the realm of …
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque in France
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a picturesque Cistercian Abbey tucked away in a deep valley in the South of France. Hidden in the countryside, it is one of the most iconic views of Provence, nestled below the village of Gordes. The Sénanque abbey was founded in 1148 by…
Exploring Polychromatic Sculptural Details from the Studio of Mussner G. Vincenzo
There are different approaches to sculpture in our churches. In some cases, we see monochromatic sculptures, made of stone or in some cases carved from wood, while in other instances we see painted, or polychromatic statues. The former were often inspired by the impression …
The Monumental, Suspended Paschal Candlestick of the Duomo of Milan
During the Easter Vigil and Easter season, there is an interesting feature one can see in the Duomo of Milan. Namely, suspended over the choir and in front of the historical high altar of the cathedral is a monumental candlestick. This candlestick contains the Paschal Candl…
Before and After: Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver, Colorado
I ntegration Design Group (IDG) have yet another interesting 'before and after' project to share, this time with Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver, Colorado. As we usually do, we begin with the company's own account of the scope and accomplishments of the renovation…
A Stunning Mitra Pretiosa from Atelier LAVS
Being within Paschaltide, it seemed like a perfect moment to share this wonderful mitra pretiosa (precious mitre) coming out of the Italian atelier, LAVS . Just as various companies may have 'signature' pieces for which they become iconically known, primarily throug…
The Labours of Rugo Stone at St. Patrick's in Washington, D.C.
In 2024, Rugo Stone , in partnership with Franck & Lohsen Architects, undertook a project at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. which saw the renovation of the church's sanctuary with new Italian marble appointments, and further work involving clea…
The 'Hall of Popes' Vestments at Santa Maria Maggiore
The Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major has dominated the city of Rome for sixteen centuries. It is a universal pilgrim destination and a Marian temple par excellence . A global place of prayer an worship, it is a unique portal to the past. Of all the major basilicas in R…
The Impressive Treasures of the Museo Diocesano di Livorno
Think 'Tuscany' and most will tend to think of the city of Florence but don't tell that the Livornese. Livorno is the third most populous city in the region. It is the capital city of the province of Livorno and a historically important port city that has had a …
Spanish Colonial Style Retablos and More: The Wood Iron Factory's Efforts at St. Augustine's Cathedral in Tucson, Arizona
Situated in Tucson, Arizona, the Cathedral of St. Augustine is a beautiful, Spanish colonial baroque style structure. In fact, while we are focused in particular today on the excellent work of The Wood Iron Factory , a San Diego based company specializing in architectural an…
The Custom of Veiling Sacred Images for Passiontide
In many parishes across the Catholic world the custom or practice of veiling the crucifix and sacred images for Passiontide (the last two weeks of Lent), is making a comeback. This is a welcome sign of the renewal of the Church, with many people asking the right questions a…
The Return of the Spanish Biretta
The Spanish biretta is a nice touch and always a bonus to see because it is inextricably identified with the identify of a priest. It is a custom that was born in Spain and later carried to her colonies. These images show this style of biretta, courtesy of our good friends…
Rome's Famed Barberini Bees Revived - A New Bespoke Work by the Atelier Sacra Domus Aurea
Maffeo Barbarini, who is better known to Catholic history as Pope Urban VIII, reigned as Roman Pontiff from the years 1623-1644. If one looks around Rome one of the most iconic symbols that one can routinely find in the Eternal City, along with "S.P.Q.R." or Romul…
Historical Chasubles for Good Friday
Being as it is once again Good Friday, most all liturgically oriented minds are focused on the Triduum and, today especially, the Passion and Death of Christ. As such, it seemed like a good day to feature some chasubles that are especially apropos to the day.
Keeping Liturgical Time: Examples of Vestments for Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is an interesting time of the liturgical year for reason that we have been living now in penitential purple for weeks, we are surrounded by muted images which have been covered over by the veils of Passiontide, and now, after this long period of penitential …
Good Friday 'Recumbent Christ' Altar of Repose at Assumption Church
One of the warmest and most vivid memories of my childhood took place on Good Friday mornings when I would rise early and go with my father and grandfather and brother to the church of the Assumption in downtown St. Paul. In silence, we entered the dark church and made our …
