Monday, August 27, 2012

Our Threaded Family Tree - Part II

Greetings from Ireland! While here on the Emerald Isle, I thought it only appropriate for the next installment of "Our Threaded Family Tree" - the Ireland edition!


The art of embroidery and needlework lies deep within our family's history. Despite the fact that our family heritage includes such striking differences in American settlers - such as Irish Immigrants, Italian printers and butchers, German aristocrats, and rebel soldiers in the Civil War - one thing seems to remain a general interest among many: embroidery and needlework.  Join us as we travel around the country, tracing a deep-rooted interest in sewing amidst a world of Indians, Immigrants, and convents, unknowingly paving the way for what is now known as, "Catholic Embroidery". 

Part II - From Emerald Isle to Ellis Isle
Bridget (Beatrice) Stenson Ludwig - Born in Tubercurry, Co. Sligo Ireland in 1891

In 1910, a young pious Catholic Irishwoman left the growing hardships in a struggling country to find a better life in the the land of opportunity. Seeking shelter in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, Beatrice Stenson, known for "never walking, but running", greeted Ellis Island with all the energy of her 19 years. Beatrice began employment as a domestic, often assigned to the lowest and meanest of jobs in a wealthy household. After three years of life in America, "Bea" met and married Frederick Ludwig, a German immigrant, and raised a family of 6 children together with him in a small apartment in the Bronx. When Frederick passed away in 1935, Beatrice was forced to take on odd jobs and begin a laundry service from her home, while also allowing her oldest daughters to work and supplement their small income.

To keep the family fed and clothed throughout life in the small apartment, Beatrice washed laundry and offered her services as a seamstress. Her handiwork with needle and thread was known far and wide for it's excellence. Many wonders were worked with her needle, favorites of which still live on in the memory of her granddaughters, who treasured handmade dresses - labors of love from Grandmother "Bea".

Thank you, great-grandmother Beatrice, for the gift of your hands and the example of a truly Valiant Woman - in more ways than one.

"Who shall find a valiant woman? far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her... She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands... she hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle... Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day... Her children rose up and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her."


Monday, August 20, 2012

Monastery Greetings

What does monasticism and embroidery have in common?

Monastery Greetings




Today, we would like to spotlight one of our loyal retailers, known nationwide through printed catalogues and online shopping as the only such website dedicated in providing products made by monasteries, abbeys, convents, and hermitages - the sale of their products directly supporting them. From Trappist Preserves and Glenstal Abbey Truffles to CD's of chant from the Abbey of Fontgombault - shopping Monastery Greetings is an experience that takes one around the world and brings the finest of Catholic culture to life.

It has been our joy to bring our own line of products to the catalogues of Monastery Greetings through the stitching of signature designs that incorporate our Faith in every-day life. The Benedictine Apron, Lamb of God Collection, Pysanky Basket Liner, and Celtic Apron have all graced homes and kitchens across America through Monastery Greetings.

New to this season finds St. Francis of Assisi and his famous quote, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace" in stitches. Visit their website today to view the new St. Francis Apron and St. Francis Throw - found exclusively though Monastery Greetings.





Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Erin go Bragh - Off to Ireland!



As some of you may know, two of the Catholic Embroidery staff have been given an opportunity to go on pilgrimage to Ireland this month. Our travels will bring us to a variety of cities and destinations that include shrines, monasteries, and burial places of a host of Irish Saints, including St. Patrick, St. Ciaran, St. Brigid, and even Our Lady of Knock. We will be bringing all the intentions of all our customers and friends to these holy places. 

The Catholic Embroidery website will still function during our absence, with all orders being processed upon our return on September 4th. The blog will still be updated during our absence, so keep looking for more of the best in Catholic Embroidery - with an Irish flair. :) 


Go mbeannaĆ­ Dia is Muire duit - Gaelic for: May God and Mary Bless you

Asking the generosity of your prayers for our safe "voyage" and promising our prayers for you in Ireland,
Yours in Christ,
Mary Serafino

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Our Lady of the Angels Monastery - In Needle and Thread

'We live in the shadow of a very dark age of history, an age that asks with Pilate: 'What is truth?' The silent witness of a religious answers this question without speaking a single word. Their very existence in the heart of the Church cries out: Jesus Christ is TRUTH. Those consecrated to God are to be rays of His Light."

“ I Adore thee O Jesus, God of Love, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament…” Such are the words that come from the lips and hearts of the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration. Located in the beautiful countryside of Hanceville, AL, the nun's Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is a sanctuary of constant Adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Many know this monastery through the television screen and and the hours of broadcasting in the best of Catholic teaching by Mother Angelica. In fact, Catholics have been benefiting from the spiritual life and ceremonies at the Monastery through the renowned Eternal Word Television Network for decades. The sisters are brought daily, through the broadcast of Holy Mass and the recitation of the Holy Rosary & Hours, to homes, deployment quarters, and hospital beds, around the world. Truly, the television screen has made Our Lady of the Angels Monastery a spiritual home for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.  

Each day, many of these souls bring the live-streaming to life by visiting this spiritual home in pilgrimage by car and busloads. At the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, one can see for himself the devotion to the Child Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. "A little child shall lead them..." reminds all visitors that their guide is none other than the Christ Child himself. All who visit the Shrine are forever touched by the sacrifices and love the sisters live for Christ in this beloved monastery.


We have been blessed to share in this spirituality by serving the Shrine with our Catholic Embroidery. This, we have done through the creation of exclusive embroidery designs showcasing the Monastery's signature Monstrance and Divino Nino emblems. These designs and many, many more can be found in the Nun's Giftshop, both in-person and online. 
Handkerchief created by Catholic Embroidery to mark the Monastery's 50th anniversary - May 2012
Similar Monstrance handkerchiefs can be purchased by clicking here!

If you are unable to enjoy a pilgrimage to the Shrine yourself, bring the Monastery to your home beyond the television or computer screen by visiting the Nun's Giftshop Online. There you can add the Monastrance and Divino Nino emblems to your home and wardrobe, including handkerchiefs, polo shirt, bookmark, backpack, and more!

Let us continue to pray for these sisters and for all religious, for in their perseverance and sacrifice is found the salvation of world! 




Saturday, August 4, 2012

New to the Shop: Missal Cover Photos

Pictures of our Signature in-stock and ready-to-ship Missal Covers are on the web! With seven different sizes to choose from, there's sure to be a perfect fit for your missal or book. If not, our Customization option allows for any configuration of size and your choice of monogram and design.

This size fits the Roman Catholic Daily Missal like a glove!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

What's in a Name?

The name of Catholic Embroidery is known around the world for quality Catholic art in the form of stitches. Every month, new and exclusive designs are added to our gallery - one of a kind representations of our Faith that can be found only attached to the Catholic Embroidery name. Now, this very name has taken shape in a graphic of it's own. Introducing the new Catholic Embroidery logo!



What do you think?