Those with knowledge of the history of Italy will know that the southern regions have seen various cultural entities inhabiting and ruling there down the centuries. The Byzantine-Greeks were one such entity and for that reason it should likely come as little surprise that w…
The Italo-Byzantine Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio in Palermo, Sicily
Those with knowledge of the history of Italy will know that the southern regions have seen various cultural entities inhabiting and ruling there down the centuries. The Byzantine-Greeks were one such entity and for that reason it should likely come as little surprise that w…
A Tour of the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame in Ottawa, Canada
One of the most beautiful churches in Canada is surely the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame, located in the capital city of Canada: Ottawa. The basilica is situated near the Canadian capital buildings, and like them, the church is (primarily) constructed in a gothic revival…
Vestments Made by St.Thérèse of Lisieux
Those pilgrims who visit the Carmel in Lisieux are treated to a wonderful little museum at the entrance. Here on display can be seen a set of vestments made by St. Thérèse while she was a sister in the convent. It is a Low Mass Requiem set, in typical French style from that…
An Extraordinary Monstrance from 1774
The following monstrance (also called an "ostensorium") was made in the year 1774, coming by way of a donation made by a generous benefactor, M. Guisseppe Paglia, in his 80th year. We know this because there is a dedicatory inscription found on the monstrance. Thi…
Noble Beauty: An Altar Design for a Small Chapel
Just a little portfolio pitstop today to check in on the studio of Martin Earle . He recently has done some different work on various altars and altarpieces that have caught my attention and I wanted to share a bit of this work with you. Martin's design influences are …
"Strahlenmadonna" of Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century Germany
Medieval Madonna carving are generally quite striking and I've always had a particular interest in the Madonnas of the German tradition called Strahlenmadonna . In English this would translate as the Madonna of Radiance, coming with reference to rays of light that depict…
A Unique Dominican 'Memento' Cope
Here is a rather distinctive cope that feature saints of the Dominican Order. The cope presently is housed within the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The fact is exclusively features Dominican saints is, of course, interesting, but that is not the main reason …
A Spanish Solemn Set For Green Liturgical Times
Now that we're entering the time of liturgical green once again, I thought we'd take a look at a unique solemn Mass set dated to the late 1600's that is presently found in the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The set is Spanis…
Vestments Dedicated to the Sacred Heart
With June being the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is an apropos time to share some chasuble designs coming out of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that show case some of the Sacred Heart. Our first design comes from Croatia and includes a large, full figure …
A Rare Look at an Exquisite, Full Length Rochet From the 1600's
For those not familiar, the rochet, while it may look like a surplice in many ways, it is not the same thing as a surplice. The rochet (which can be primarily distinguished from a surplice by way of its form fitting sleeves) is an article of clerical vesture that is worn so…
Romanesque: The Church of San Giorgio a Brancoli
It has been a little while since we last made a foray into the riches of the Romanesque, so we'll correct that today by taking a short tour of the church of San Giorgio in Brancoli, Lucca -- Lucca being in Tuscany and one of the locations where, along with Venice, would…
The Greeks of Venice
When one thinks of the fabled canals of Venice, what comes to mind? First and foremost, canals and gondolas of course. Second of all, a distinctive style of gothic architecture punctuated by Persian, Ottoman and arabic design influences. Third, the more studied will also t…
The Lost Basilica of St. John Located in Ephesus
There are many early Christian basilicas that are lost to history, but in most instances newer one's have taken their place. For that reason there is something especially sad about seeing an early Christian basilica that is simply left derelict and in ruin, especially w…
Introducing Adornare Paramenti Sacri of Hong Kong
Today I would like to introduce our readers to a relatively new vestment start-up, situated in Hong Kong: Adornare Paramenti Sacri . A longtime friend to LAJ introduced us to the new enterprise, so we thought we'd take a look at what they are doing. First though, we'…
Before and After: Restorations of the Facade of the Church of Ss. Nereo e Achilleo in Rome
Previously we have looked at the church of Ss. Nereo e Achilleo in Rome. In one article , we primarily focused on the interior of this very interesting church, while in another , we considered its connection to the Roman Martyrology and Cesare Cardinal Baronius. Today we are …
The Veils of the Balustrade (or Chancel Screen)
By now it is well enough known to most that in earlier Christian times, the great canopy (i.e. ciborium) that covered over the altar at one time also included textile hangings (effectively curtains) that could be drawn closed at certain points within the liturgy. This pract…
Baroque Triumphalism in Pennsylvania: Paintings of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Hanover
A little over a year ago we wrote about this particular restoration project by Canning Liturgical Arts at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Hanover, Pennsylvania but I thought it was worth returning to this restoration work to show feature some of the impressive painted w…
Paul the Silentiary on the Lamps and Illumination of Hagia Sophia
For one reason or another, I have a particular fascination with early Christian lamps (lampada). It is perhaps because, like many people, there is an almost instinctual draw to the warmth of flame and candlelight. In the Western church, with the exceptions of the Easter Vig…
Hand-Carved Statuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
As it is the month of the Sacred Heart, I wanted to share some sculptures of the Sacred Heart that were created by the studio of Mussner G. Vincenzo Ars Sacra , located in Ortisei, Italy. Many of our readers will already be familiar with this atelier of course, but for thos…
Before and After: Chapel of Saint Francis de Sales at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia
Today we're pleased to present yet another instalment in the ever-popular 'before and after' series, and today we also get to introduce to our readers a new architectural firm: C.J. Howard Architecture . The project in question involves renovations that were unde…
A Unique and Rare Set of Pentecost Themed Vestments from the Eighteenth Century
Continuing on with our Pentecost considerations this week, I wanted to share a rather unique set that I came across recently. Many eighteenth century vestments were absent of pictorial imagery -- there are exceptions of course, but the fact of the matter is that eighteenth …
Before and After: Corpus Christi in South River, New Jersey
Almost two years ago we featured the new reredos that was installed at Corpus Christi church in South River, New Jersey. Since then the parish has been busily continuing on with its project of beautifying their church -- a good reminder in our time, a time which is so forme…
Further Pentecost Themed Vestments from the French School
Each year, whenever we hit the time of Pentecost, we try to feature some Pentecost themed vestments. We will continue that tradition once again this year with another selection of vestments, this time coming from the French school. In the eighteenth century, French vestment…
A Selection of Historical Antependia for Pentecost
Once again we find ourselves on the cusp of one of the most solemn days of the Church's liturgical year, the great feast of Pentecost. Pentecost, of course, commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles fifty days after Christ's resurrection. By way of d…
Elena Neigum on the Icon as a Unifying Language of Sacred Art: East and West in Dialogue
Elena Neigum is an established iconographer and educator who is focused on the analysis of contemporary threats to the Byzantine iconography, advocating for the reaffirmation of the icon as a sacred and theological act within the life of the Church. -- LAJ. Guest article by …
Three Medieval English Embroidered Chasubles
If you enjoy late medieval and/or early Renaissance English vestment work, then you're in luck. Today we're going to share with you three distinctive chasubles taken from the period. Each of this three vestments were made sometime in the 1400's to early 1500'…
The Chancel Screen (Templon) of the Satkhe Monastery Church in Georgia
Over the past year or two, we've expended some time trying to showcase some of the liturgical-architectural features that were at one time commonly found in the churches of both the Christian East and West. One of those elements was the screen that separated the altar a…
A Golden Rose Crafted for the 125th Anniversary of St. Rita of Cascia's Canonization
On feast of St. Rita and the commemoration of 125th anniversary of her canonization. a decorative rose was crafted by Catholic craftsmen to adorn her image in the Augustinian church in Valletta Malta. Gabriel Farrugia, the director of music within the church, also happens t…
The Tradition of Decorative Textiles in the Contemporary Work of Fabrizio Diomedi
The Italian artist Fabrizio Diomedi is perhaps best known amongst our readership for his decorative work at the Benedictine Monastery of Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict, but of course he has pursued many other commissions as well. An aspect of his work that I perso…
The Evolution of Hagia Sophia: The Exterior
Today marks a melancholic day within Christendom. Why is because today, in the year 1453, was the fateful day when Constantinople would ultimately fall to the Ottoman empire, and with it came crashing down the historical Eastern Roman empire, thus effectively marking the e…
Before and After: St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
In another instalment in our "before and after" series, today we have feature a project coming from the firm of Cram & Ferguson Architects , based out of Concord, Massachusetts. This particular firm is particularly (though not exclusively) connected to the goth…
Teresian Vestments?
Before we leave the month of May, a month so traditionally associated with Mary and the flowers of springtime, let's take a look at one more floriated set of vestments. This particular set was made in the Venetian region of Friuli sometime in the eighteenth century and…
Italian and Gothic: Two Stunning Designs in Contemporary Vestment Work
The Italy-based atelier Sacra Domus Aurea has established a reputation for itself in the creation of beautifully embroidered designs in contemporary vestment work; designs heavily rooted in the Italian tradition in particular, as well as the French and, more recently, gothi…
Italian Heraldist Marco Foppoli on the Challenges of Contemporary Approaches to Papal Heraldry
About the Author: Marco Foppoli is a well known professional and international heraldic artist. In his thirty-year career he has designed coats of arms for royals, public institutions, and countless bishops, cardinals of the Catholic Church. He collaborates with the Preside…
Forgotten Churches of Rome: Chiesa di Santa Rita da Cascia alle Vergini
When you think of the city of Rome and its churches we have a natural -- and understandable -- tendency to focus on, first of all, the papal/patriarchal basilicas like St. Peter's, St. Paul's, etc. The from there, we tend to shift next to some of the minor basilica…
Antique Phelonia (Chasubles) From the Russian Tradition
Awhile back we shared some general examples of antique vestments in the Eastern tradition. There we had noted that, unlike their Latin rite counterparts, it seemed that examples of antique vestments in the Christian East were far more difficult to come by. I suspect this i…
The Remarkable Carved Angel Hammerbeam Roof of St Agnes Church in Cawston, Norfolk
Norfolk in the United Kingdom is justly famed for its beautiful medieval churches, a number of which still retain pre-Reformation features like painted rood screens. Today, however, we are not going to look at a rood, but rather at a roof -- yes, you read that correctly. Chu…
Vestments from the Cathedral of Beauvais
The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in Beauvais, France has a beautiful set of red velvet vestments within its treasury that showcase some of the great beauty of the French vestment tradition. Velvet was, of course, of particular popularity within France, as were vestments covered …
Martin Earle's Prize Winning Altarpiece of Saints and Blesseds of Cumbria
Martin Earle is a British artist that we have featured here on LAJ before. His work falls into the the Byzantine as well as Western medieval tradition. Recently the Catholic Art Institute awarded its 2024 Sacred Art Prize and this particular work earned the prize for secon…
Before and After: Sacred Heart Church in Peoria, Illinois
Today we are going to look at a project which happened a few years back, but which is particularly striking. The project planning actually began back in 2005 and came in relation to the church's one hundredth anniversary preparations. This particular project involved t…
A 17th Century Altarpiece Saved From the French Revolution (Now To Be 'Saved' From a 1960's Whitewashing)
Located within the French town of Buschwiller, which itself is located right near the border with Germany, is the parish church of St. Martin, and within that parish is an altarpiece that has had quite a journey in its history. The altarpiece's 'life' began in 1…
Fit For Spring: Venetian Paraments from ca. 1690-1710
One of my favourite things at this time of the year, a period of time which finds nature springing back to colour and life, a time too when we find ourselves in the month of Mary (symbolized as she is by so many flowers), is to feature sacred vestments of the same sort. Typ…
Papal Kneeler of Pope Pius IX
This papal kneeler is one of a few oversized Baroque kneelers that have been used for countless papal ceremonies over the years in St. Peter's Basilica. It was also utilized during the last Council, easily recognizable in old photos. To see it in person is an experience…
Swords of Papal Knights, Palatine Guard, Members of the Papal Court
Swords have long been a staple at papal liturgies. They are part of the formal dress of courtiers and security forces of the popes. As such, they are often de rigueur , required by etiquette and fashion. Those who carry the sword are not necessarily armigerous. Sometimes suc…
Tapestries of Papal Liturgies
The splendid papal liturgies celebrated publicly before the reform of the 1960s were few and far between. They were big and rare events. One thing that stood out were the precious tapestries that went on display for these liturgical events, sometimes a background the papal …
Echoes of the Papal Court: Cameriere di Spada a Cappa (Lay Version)
Some readers have asked for images of the Cameriere di Spade e Cappa, a lay position in the Papal Court abolished in the late 1960s. This role was part of the Papal Court, by extension, part of the Roman Curia. The Curia has been since the end of the 11th century the highes…
The Caudatario: The Carrier of the Train of a Cappa Magna
At Solemn Pontifical Masses for Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church there is a tradition of the caudatari, or "carrier of the strascico (portatore dello strascico) , holding the dragging edge of the cappa magana of the prelate. The person in this role generally is the la…
The Papal Blessing Benedictio Coram Populo: Urbi et Orbi
The papal blessing known as the Benedictio Coram Populo, or more commonly as the Urbi et Orbi (to the city [of Rome] and to the world) blessing, is pronounced by the popes on certain solemn occasions such as the Election of a Roman Pontiff, New Years Day or on other special…
Before and After: Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hays, Kansas
Conrad Schmitt Studios, based out of Wisconsin, recently shared news of a beautiful project they undertook at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays, Kansas that effectively functions as both a "before and after" as well as a tutorial on something we like to disc…
Paul the Silentiary's Description of the Altar, Ciborium and Balustrade of Hagia Sophia in A.D. 563
Today I wanted to share a description of the altar, ciborium and chancel screen of the great Eastern Roman church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. This particular description was written in the year 563 by Paul the Silentiary, a Byzantine courtier in the service of the Em…
