Chasuble

This chasuble was worn at St Gerard’s Monastery in Wellington from about 1920.

 

Chasubles denote priestly rank and are the main and uppermost vestments worn by priests for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

 

Roman origins

 

The chasuble originally developed from the practical travelling cloak worn in the Graeco-Roman world by both sexes and by all classes (called the paenula). It was adopted by the Christian church from the 7^th century, and was worn over the alb (a plain white linen tunic with sleeves and girdle at the waist, also a Roman garment).

 

Embroidery

 

Over time, the chasuble was made from richer fabrics such as silk and velvet, and was decorated with panels (orphreys) of beautiful embroideries in silk and gold threads, and sometimes decorated with gems, pearls, enamels and semi-precious stones. This richness was for the glory of God, rather than being important for the garment itself.

 

The embroideries on chasubles often formed a cross shape, as on the back of this example. ‘I H S’ are the first three letters of name of Jesus Christ in Greek.

 

This chasuble is red and was worn during Pentecost, the day of celebration when the Holy Spirit descended on the 12 apostles. Red symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost was also the old name for the Jewish harvest festival, hence the embroidered grapes and wheat, which symbolize wine and bread which are celebratory and nourishing. Flowers are also worked in gold on this chasuble and symbolize the renewal of life.