Ancilla writes: At Withermarsh Green Chapter we decided last year to embark on a large project: a Liturgical Banner in honour of our Chapel's Patron, St Edmund.
This is no small undertaking but will involve basic to advanced hand sewing techniques, like those taught at the Royal School of Needlework (where the Guild of St Clare regularly organises workshops and has a sponsorship scheme).
All members, young and old, newbs and veterans, have the opportunity to be involved at all stages of the project, giving their input and bringing their unique skills to the piece. It is a rare opportunity to be involved in such a project as nowadays liturgical banners are generally just for the professional sphere.
Currently we have just completed the design phase and ready to begin sewing at our next meeting. We spent two meeting entirely dedicated to designing; taking inspiration from images of St Edmund found in art, illuminated manuscripts from the time period, and the Bayeux Tapestry, as well as free hand drawing.
We wanted to impregnate the image with symbolism. For example, St Edmund was martyred on a tree, a correlation to Our Lord on the Cross. We drew St Edmund’s tree in a more “cross” like shape. Another example, the pagans are imaged on the left of St Edmund, while to his right side will be pilgrims (families including children, as well as monks) ascending towards Bury St Edmunds Medieval Cathedral. The previously mentioned tree will be depicted as having its seeds (acorns) on the pagan side, as it is the blood of the martyrs which water the seeds of faith to the unbelieving. While on the right side, or Christian side, the tree is flowering, blooming with verdant life, the culmination of the sacrifice of the martyr having been united to Jesus Christ brings about conversion and true living.
As you can imagine, it’s an exciting project, and like all things that are worthwhile it will cost a lot of prayers, time and money. Our Chapter has started raising funds in order to pay for the material needs of the banner, such as silk and velvet fabrics, specialised paints and threads, etc. As Chapter Leader I will be training up to do a 10k run on the 9th May. Please consider helping our Chapter by going to the JustGiving page. May God, through Sts Clare & Edmund, reward your generosity!
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gosc-withermarsh
