It seems that the Sorgente-inspired "Vatican style" off-white, box-pleat cottas with understated three lines of knotted lacework and matching crosses (see left) may be reaching their sell-by date. When I was a seminarian, they were all the rage: the possession of such an article was a mark of discernment in liturgical apparel, showing the wearer to be a man at the sweet spot of moderate aggiornamento, able to wear white choir on suitable (strictly circumscribed) occasions whilst meshing in perfectly with the acceptable V2 style of the caeremonieri who worked under Virgilio Noe.Looking at the picture below, from the Pope's recent meeting with the sick, it is clear that Bishops' MCs around the world will need to go a-shopping soon if they are to keep up with the confusing and fast-moving pace of liturgical "reform of the reform" as it gathers momentum in the current decade. They may find that most of the better antique examples of the classical cotta have already been snapped up at bargain prices (or free of charge) by trad clergy who were in when the market was all but dead. I shudder to think what it would cost to get one of these things made up to order. Such is the price of failing to read the signs of the times.
That really is a serious amount of lace. (click to enlarge) Will we see the return of the Roman chasuble for a Papal Mass some day soon, I wonder?H/T Paparatzifan at Papa Ratzinger Forum (more photos there.)
8 comments:
well, must find myself a modern cotta soon...hmmm...where's thar Polish nun's number?....
oh and fr tim, if you're getting rid of the sorgente thing. do let me know..wouldn't want it to seem that i don;'t dialogue with antiquity
Well, gee, Father, any crocheter worth her salt could whip up one of those in a couple weeks. That much ornate lace would probably take over a thousand yards of thread, but it would be well worth it. Hmmmm... *schemes*
On second thought, maybe more than a couple weeks. But again, it would be worth it.
TRTC - LOL!
Tracy - there is an Italian lady in my parish who has made altar cloths and credence table cloths, and little squares and circles for protecting the communion plate from scratches, decorating the Thabor for the monstrance etc. etc. Her latest work was to make a cape and lace garment for the statue of Our Lady. I have just got hold of some linen albs. I think I will give her one to decorate - I never worry about how long it takes, just rejoice whenever she brings something new along. It is a wonderful work for the support of the Liturgy.
When oh when will the maniple return to St. Peter's
*sigh*
Are you unfortunate to wear the polyester gothic chasubles with gold flecks, as opposed to Roman chasubles Father?
Yes, we have those from Luzar. They look good from a distance and at least we have a full high Mass set in each colour.
If people get used to celebration ad orientem, I can build up sets of the Roman ones in good quality damask.
But I do have a fine set of red Roman vestments - 19th century French velvet. Excellent for the Confirmation Mass and Pentecost (and various High Masses for Martyrs as and when.)
Isn't the Pope wearing a rochet(with narrow sleeves) which has more lace than a surplice?
I would think that for the lower clergy and altar servers, the regular cotta without lace would still be the norm.
There is a beautiful set of red velvet roman vestments with gold thread embroidery which was in use at Corpus Christi Church in Leeds. I weep to think of it mouldering and unused in the sacristy of the parish of my birth.
The last time I saw them used was about 25 years ago. They've moved onto other things I think now, but I'm sure if you ring the parish priest he might come to an arrangement ;-)
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