Launch of the Belfast Chapter: Report

 Lucy writes: Saturday, 10th May saw the inauguration of the Belfast Chapter, based at the ICKSP church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was a most moving experience for me to see at first hand the powerful effects of the zeal of the Canons for their community.

Chapter Leader, Catherine Gallagher, at work on a red lamé stole

The new Chapter begins its work in the context of a complete refurbishment of the church, which previously belonged to Presbyterians. 

There is a great deal of work to be done; some of the vestments and altar furnishings are really magnificent.

I particularly fell for this superb black velvet pall, embellished with memento mori and winged hourglasses. 

It's in good condition except for the lining, which has a few holes in it, and some damage to the appliqué motifs.

The Chapter is led by Catherine Gallagher; she already has a strong nucleus of committed volunteers, some of whom have exceptional skills.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the journey between my home in Oxfordshire and Belfast, and hope to visit the new Chapter regularly. I experienced the true Irish hospitality during my visit, and am already looking forward to sampling it again.

Restoration of the Pelican Cope

 Lucy writes: It's exactly a year since I ran the Oxford Town & Gown 10k, and thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our benefactors, the restoration of the Pelican Cope is now complete.

The embroidery on the Cope was in good condition, but the fabric of the main body of it was noticeably mildewed.

It took time to source satin of the right quality and colour to match the hood and orphreys. Once this was done, we commissioned Ancilla Vestments to undertake the re-making of the Cope on the Guild's behalf.

The names of all the individual benefactors are on a label, stitched inside the lining of the Cope. A visible label asks for prayers for them.

The Cope will be used at all our Retreats; we will also loan it out occasionally. The benefactors who made its restoration possible can be sure that they will often be remembered at the altar, whenever it is used.

Special thanks go to Ancilla vestments for making such a magnificent job of it; and of course, we continue to feel heartfelt gratitude to our many benefactors. We will remember them in our prayers.

Launch of the Oxford Students Chapter

 Lucy writes: In a very busy month for the Guild of St Clare, we are marking an exciting first: the launch of a Chapter organised by students. The Dominicans at Blackfriars, Oxford have most kindly agreed to host this new group, which will meet monthly at weekends.

The annual LMS pilgrimage to Oxford, which takes place at Blackfriars

The leader of the Chapter is Dorothea Shaw (a near relation of mine: in fact, my oldest daughter) who is in her third year of Classics at Jesus College, Oxford. Her fellow volunteers are also Oxford undergraduates, but the Chapter is open to any young person studying in Oxford, at any of the many centres of learning there.

Dorothea has been a regular participant at the Guild of St Clare Sewing Retreat

The first meeting is on Sunday, 18th May at 1pm, and I will be there to meet the young people and introduce them to the art of vestment mending. For more information, or to join the Chapter, email Dorothea at gosc.oxfordstudents@lms.org.uk