Westminster: Clergy to receive new vestments

The new design

The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, Auxiliary Bishops and 350 priests and deacons of the Diocese of Westminster will be wearing a new design of diocesan vestments when they celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at Westminster Cathedral today.

Colours and geometrical patterns of Westminster Cathedral are key features of the new vestments, which replace a previous design dating from 1982. A new mitre for the Archbishop of Westminster has also been produced with its design matching that of the vestments.

The new vestments are an outward sign of the diocesan identity of the Diocese of Westminster’s priests and deacons. They will be kept by clergy until the end of their ministry. When a priest or deacon dies, the vestments will be returned to the diocese and presented to a new priest to wear at their ordination.

Fr Slawomir Witon, one of the leaders of the design project explains: “The decorative pattern includes the outline of five interwoven circles, which can be seen as representing the first five books of the Old Testament or Christ surrounded by the four evangelists. The circular “Cosmatesque” design is featured on the pulpit of Westminster Cathedral, and on the seat or ‘cathedra’ of the Archbishop.”

“The design also includes a Byzantine diamond containing five smaller red diamonds. The shape can be found in the stonework of Westminster Cathedral and represents the five precious wounds of Jesus Christ. The red colour reminds us of the Cathedral’s dedication to the Precious Blood of Christ.”

 “The use of these patterns signifies the unity of the clergy of the diocese with the Archbishop.”

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: "I am delighted with these new vestments. They are rich in symbolism and, I hope, will be a source of renewed dedication in all who wear them. The ancient 'quincunx' design, in circles and diamonds, is both ancient and contemporary with a history embracing both early medieval art and English recusant history. I thank all involved in their preparation and production."

Sr Carmel Wragg, who has also been overseeing the design and production of the new vestments, said: “About 2,300 square metres of fabric have been used to make the vestments. The fabric was woven especially for the diocese vestments. It is ‘crease free’ so the vestments can be easily carried and worn at diocesan celebrations.”

“The aim was to produce something simple yet rich. It was also important to keep the vestments affordable for parishes.”

The annual diocesan Chrism Mass, when clergy renew their priestly promises, takes its name from the Greek word for ‘anointing’. Three oils are blessed by the Bishops during the Mass. One oil, the Chrism, is used at Ordinations and Confirmations and Episcopal Ordinations; another oil is used for the Anointing of the Sick, and the third oil is used at Baptism. The priests take the oils from the Chrism Mass into their own parishes and use them for the first time at Easter Vigil and in the celebration of these sacraments for the rest of the year.

Source: Archbishops House