Launch of the Belfast Chapter

Lucy writes: I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the Belfast Chapter, which will have its home at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary where the Institute of Christ the King has its apostolate.

The Leader of the new Chapter is Catherine Gallagher, who, as well as being a mother of nine (one of her sons is in seminary) and grandmother, is also a practising doctor. She and her husband Owen (also a doctor) are strong supporters of the Catholic community in Belfast. The Chapter is therefore in the most capable of hands, and the Guild of St Clare is extraordinarily fortunate to have the support of such an experienced (and busy!) volunteer.

The launch of the Chapter is on Saturday, 10th May; the meeting will take place after the 11am Mass. I will be there for the occasion and am looking forward with enormous excitement to meeting the Chapter members and to seeing the church. It will be my first visit to Belfast, and I'm delighted to be making my acquaintance with the great city on such an auspicious occasion.

For more information about the Chapter, or to volunteer, you can email Catherine on gosc.belfast@lms.org.uk .

Rest in Peace, Holy Father

 Lucy writes: It was a privilege to attend a Requiem Mass for His Holiness, Pope Francis, on the very evening of the day of his death, at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane. The Mass was organised by the Latin Mass Society and celebrated by Fr Alan Robinson. The magnificent music was provided by the Southwell Consort.

Catafalque surmounted by the papal zucchetto; photo by Joseph Shaw

Pope Francis had no love for the traditional Mass, and the restrictions he placed on it caused many of those attached to it great pain. It was therefore doubly impressive and consoling to see the church packed with faithful Catholics on this occasion, come to pay the Pope their final respects and to pray for his soul.

The black cushion on which the white zucchetto rests was made by the Guild of St Clare

O God who, in thine unspeakable providence, wast pleased to number among the supreme pontiffs Francis, thy servant: grant, we beseech thee, that he who on earth was vicar of thine only-begotten Son, may for evermore have place among the holy bishops who in heaven reign with thee.

Sponsorship Award 2025: invitation for applications

The Guild of St Clare is delighted to invite applications for our annual sponsorship scheme, an award which provides 50% of the fees for the Royal School of Needlework Certificate Course. 

Jacobean Crewelwork, by James Surry, our first Sponsorship winner

The Royal School of Needlework is an international centre of excellence for hand embroidery, and the skills it teaches are essential to the work of vestment making and repairs. The Certificate Course is a flexible course which can be completed at a pace to suit each student. It teaches four core techniques: Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Goldwork and a choice of either Canvaswork or Blackwork. It is taught in various locations across the UK: at the main teaching apartments at Hampton Court Palace and also at satellites in Bristol, Durham, Rugby and Glasgow.

Jacobean Crewelwork by our 2020 Sponsorship winner, an anonymous religious

The skills that students learn during the course of their studies at the Royal School of Needlework are essential to the art of making vestments, and are of invaluable use in vestment mending also. 

Canvaswork by our 2020 Sponsorship winner

As a condition of acceptance, successful candidates must take part in at least one Guild of St Clare Sewing Retreat each year.

Jacobean Crewelwork by Miranda de Burgh, 2023 winner

The deadline for applications is 22nd June, and interviews will be held during July. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found here. If you have any questions email Lucy on guildofstclare@lms.org.uk. 

Guild of St Clare class at the Royal School of Needlework