Merry Christmas!

Madonna and Child - Boston Public Library

Wishing a very Merry and Joyful Christmas to all of our readers!

Thank you for the gift of your readership, friendship, and patronage. May the Infant Jesus give you each the gift of His heart, to love, imitate, and cherish this Christmas and always. What can we give Him in return?

"What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart."

~ In the Bleak Midwinter

www.catholicembroidery.com

A Christmas Legend

The Embroidered Tablecloth - A Christmas Legend

The brand new pastor, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When he saw the church, it was very run down and needed much work. He set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

He worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"

The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of thewoman. She had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

www.catholicembroidery.com

Restoration Rectory - Royal Refectory

Next to the restoring the Fleur-de-lis office of the rector, what could be more important in a church property restoration than in tackling the refectory? A place where the community comes together daily in the spirit of good conversation, delectable food, and family-like conviviality, the refectory deserves to be a space well-decorated and comfortable. 

Working once again with a talented seamstress, the application of embroidery on custom drapery was carried out to perfection! 

We modeled the triple crown design after the crowns displayed in the wall paper and matched the colors appropriately. Instead of large sheets of fabric interrupting the flow of the room, the embroidery helped to tie everything together with a royal touch.

St. Francis de Sales, to this day, looks on in approval. What do you think?

Restoration Rectory - Fleur-de-Lis Office

The various applications for embroidery never cease to amaze! In collaboration with an expert drape designer, we were able to furnish this office of a St. Louis rectory with the city's saint's noted symbol: the Fleur-de-Lis. 

This was part of an ongoing restoration project for one of St. Louis' finest historical and spiritual Landmarks. 

It was quite a treat to see the transformation of many bare and ascetically barren rooms into beautiful spaces for the work and life of the Church - thanks to many helpful hands!

Next up: the Refectory! 

www.catholicembroidery.com

St. Pius X & The Immaculate Conception

It seems quite Providential to complete the commissioning of a special linen order as we now begin (tomorrow - November 29!) the novena in preparation for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. What does a linen order and this feast of Our Lady have in common?

Why, St. Piux X, or course! :)

We were privileged to design and embroider the Crest of St. Piux X in sketch-like stitches, to be applied on linens for Holy Mass.

While working with this saintly Pope's coat of arms, we were reminded of those treasures he brought o Holy Mother Church during his papacy. Amongst his care in the souls of little children being allowed to receive Holy Communion, a stalwart fight throughout his Papacy against Modernism, and a heroic dedication toward the teaching of Catechism in all avenues of the Church, Pope St. Pius X was also dedicated toward devotion to Our Lady. It was during his Papacy that the Church celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. In his encyclical AD DIEM ILLUM LAETISSIMUM, the Holy Pope writes,

"But the first and chief reason, Venerable Brethren, why the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception should excite a singular fervor in the souls of Christians lies for us in that restoration of all things in Christ which we have already set forth in Our first Encyclical letter. For can anyone fail to see that there is no surer or more direct road than by Mary for uniting all mankind in Christ and obtaining through Him the perfect adoption of sons, that we may be holy and immaculate in the sight of God? For if to Mary it was truly said: "Blessed art thou who hast believed because in thee shall be fulfilled the things that have been told thee by the Lord" (Luke i., 45); or in other words, that she would conceive and bring forth the Son of God and if she did receive in her breast Him who is by nature Truth itself in order that "He, generated in a new order and with a new nativity, though invisible in Himself, might become visible in our flesh" (St. Leo the Great, Ser. 2, De Nativ. Dom.): the Son of God made man, being the "author and consummator of our faith"; it surely follows that His Mother most holy should be recognized as participating in the divine mysteries and as being in a manner the guardian of them, and that upon her as upon a foundation, the noblest after Christ, rises the edifice of the faith of all centuries." - Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum 1904

Will you join us in a Novena to Our Lady in honor of her Immaculate Conception?

**Special note: Congratulations to Mindy McDonald, chosen at random as winner of the Advent Apron Giveaway! Thank you all for participating. The comment section is full of wonderful Advent traditions and practices. Make sure to take a peek! (Maybe you'll find a new treasure to add to your own traditions this year?) For those that didn't win the apron - it's not to late to order one now!

Project: On Your Wedding Day

"We were asked to present a personalized bible during our son's wedding. I asked Mary to make a special cover out of white fabric and the result was stunning! My son and future daughter in law will have a keepsake for the rest of their lives made by someone we know. Thank you so much for your good work, Mary!" - L.H.

May this treasured design always reflect the love and fidelity that this marriage will bring under the sanction of Holy Matrimony! It's always an honor and a joy to contribute to the celebration of such a union - even in the smallest of ways. Congratulations to the couple!

Giveaway! Advent in Hearts and Homes

Only a few more weeks will find us beginning that blessed and new season of the next Liturgical Year, preparing our hearts once again for the coming of Our Savior's Birth. The Infant King is asking again to come into our hearts and homes. Are we ready?

In addition to the prayers, reflections, and sacrifices taken up toward this end, consider adding the voices of His Spouses to the spirit of your home this Advent. The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles have launched a CD with a large collection of Advent related music - including Gregorian Chant, polyphony, and hymns - in order to share the daily life of love they live through song with those outside the convent walls. Purchasing "Advent at Ephesus" from the sister's website will help support the sisters and assist in the building of a permanent monastery.

Check out this video for a gorgeous glimpse of the music and the spirituality behind the voices!

Now for the Giveaway!!! In the hopes of reflecting the spirit of Advent from heart to home, we are giving away an Advent Embroidered Apron to one lucky winner. This apron would make a fitting addition to the many culinary creations sure to come from your kitchen this Christmas!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment to this post, telling us about your favorite Advent tradition. Share the giveaway on facebook and qualify for TWO comment entries!!!!!!

Giveaway will end on November 26th at 12pm. Enter now and this apron just may become yours!

www.catholicembroidery.com

Project: Simeon's Compline Canticle

"Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes; ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace" 

"Protect us Lord, while we are awake, and safeguard us while we sleep, that we may keep watch with Christ and rest in peace."

This passage from Simeon's Canticle has been glorified by Holy Mother Church by it's use in the office of Compline. Every night, this prayer is said in monastieries, convents, and homes across the world. It brings with it a certain sense of peace in the giving to God the actions of the day, while intrusting the night into His care. 

Being a personal favorite prayer of my own, I was delighted when commissioned by a customer to reproduce this prayer as a framable wall art to be hung above their children's bedrooms. Combining family devotions to the Sacred and Immaculate Heart with shimmering stars and sky blue thread, our goal was to represent the protection of Heaven upon his faithful children through the use of stitches. 

The rest is in the hands of an expert framing specialist. What do you think? 

What are your family's favorite devotions before bed?

www.catholicembroidery.com 

Thread of Beauty: About Our Designs

“Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!”—St. Augustine of Hippo

It is no secret that the world has forever been enhanced by beautiful things. However, it is often forgotten how beauty, or lack thereof, plays a part in the formation and life of the human soul. We are reminded of this in the age-old quote, "the eyes are the window to the soul". This fact is a simple truth that has often been proven scientifically in the world of music, art, and literature for centuries. Where there is beauty, there is God. Beauty brings order, balance, and truth to society and culture.

Art, in all of its forms, has dictated the influence of beauty into cultures throughout the ages. When we were introduced into the art of embroidery, a world of monograms and letters quickly blossomed into a passion for beauty in the form of stitches. And as practicing Catholics, we didn't have to look far to find a history of Religious Embroidery Treasures of our Catholic heritage. In finding a treasury of embroidery history, one fact remained simple yet devestatingly true: such examples of beauty through stitches are not being produced today as they once were.

Our Ave Maria Design accenting the back of a chasuble. 

In fact, we quickly realized that companies and design creators have left much to be desired in Catholic embroidery. Bringing spirituality to the eyes and therefore, but extension, the hearts of souls through embroidery became our passion.

We began by creating our own designs, through the expertise and creativity of some of the finest in Catholic artists. Taking inspiration from ancient art, personal devotion, and the study of the Catholic Church through art, our gallery began to take shape. Now, nearly 50 designs have been added to our signature design gallery. Each has been copyrighted to protect the originality and work behind the image creation. And, more are always being added!

Our Holy Matrimony Symbol - Two Hearts United in One

Within no time, our designs became available to the public in a host of forms, many of which are products we created, that are shared daily throughout the world. Whether accompanying the prayers of the priest at the foot of the altar, tucked safely inside pockets, carried to Mass, or worn close to the heart, our Catholic Embroidery designs are meant to bring the beauty of the Church to eyes and hearts everywhere. We hope they will give the world, as they give to us, even the smallest foretaste of what is to Come:

"That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Our Wicklow Cross Design was inspired by Irish art and history.

***It is not uncommon to be questioned as to the sharing of these designs. Since each has been created exclusively by our company and copyrighted, duplication is not allowed in any form, without express permission. This includes the sale of the design files themselves. Seamstresses interested in having any of our desings embroidered on their project are more than welcome to contact us. Such applications on vestments, altar frontal, quilts, and more are our expertise! 

© Precision Embroidery 2007-2012

Cantate Domino

This custom embroidered bookmark encourages a chorister's organization while inspiring the devotion within the music...

Psalm 95: 1-3 "Cantate Domino canticum novum: cantate Domino omnes terra. Cantate Domino benedicite nomini eius adnuntiate diem de die salutare eius; adnunciate inter gentes gloriam eius in omnibus populus miribia eius."

"Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day."

Listen to Hans Leo Hassler's choral work, here.

Giveaway: In Honor of St. Francis of Assisi

"Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command."~ Prayer of St. Francis before the Crucifix of San Damiano

UPDATE: With a little prayer to St. Francis and a "closed-eye" dip into the basket of entry names, the winner is... RENEE!!!!! Congratulations, Renee!!! Just send your address to: needles (at) fidget (dot) com and the afghan will be on it's way.

Thank you all for your participation and kind comments! 

St. Francis of Assisi's charisma of simplicity and appreciation of God's creation finds it's foundation in the perfection with which he loved God. We see this love of God reflected in a sermon on St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure, "Francis sought occasion to love God in everything.  He delighted in all the works of God's hands and from the vision of joy on earth his mind soared aloft to the life-giving source and cause of all.  In everything beautiful, he saw him who is beauty itself, and he followed his Beloved everywhere by his likeness imprinted on creation; of all creation he made a ladder by which he might mount up and embrace him who is all-desirable.  By the power of his extraordinary faith he tasted the Goodness which is the source of all in each and every created thing, as in so many rivulets.  He seemed to perceive a divine harmony in the interplay of powers and faculties given by God to his creatures and like the prophet David he exhorted them all to praise God."

In honor of today's feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we are excited to GIVEAWAY one of our newly designed and embroidered San Damiano Cross Afghan. 

• To enter, simply leave a comment in this post before October 13th. 
• To qualify for 2 entries, 
  
  

  LIKE us on Facebook
  
  

  
  

  Simply come back after liking us on facebook and leave a SECOND comment!
• To qualify for 3 entries, SHARE the giveaway on your blog or facebook page
  Leave the link to your page  in the combox for your third entry!

We'd also love to hear about any devotions you might practice in the Franciscan way! 

One winner will be chosen at random on October 13th, feast of Our Lady of Fatima and the 95th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun.

Tell your friends! Share with your family! Happy feast of St. Francis of Assisi!

Project: Sacred Heart Vesica

The beautiful Sacred Heart design pictured above is the very first design to be created exclusively by Catholic Embroidery. As a family business, it was very important to begin our new endeavor with our family's consecration to the Sacred Heart in full honor. Thus, the Sacred Heart image was committed to stitches, copyrighted, and the Catholic Embroidery gallery began.

Over the years, this design has been stitched as framable artwork combined with commemoration of feasts in a family, as a consecration memento in households across America, and in many other forms.

Thus, it is very fitting that as we near our FIFTH anniversary of the founding of our company in November, it is this Sacred Heart that takes form once again under the eyes of our needles. We were asked by a priest in Texas to make this design available in the form of a vesica applique. (Vesica is a term used to refer to an embroidery motif application to a given vestment.) This applique was created in a manner that would allow a local seamstress to apply the design directly to the fabric in a matter of minutes. Gold metallic thread was used to match the vestment's existing orphrey and the results were absolutely stunning.

Tomorrow, on the First Friday in October, our Sacred Heart design will mount the steps of the altar, embedded boldly over the heart of one of God's own ministers.

Introibo ad altare Dei - I will go to the altar of God

New Design: Lima Rose

Named after St. Rose of Lima, our new Lima Rose Design is as meaningful as it is lovely. The parallel between the symbolism of the rose flower and the name of St. Rose of Lima is hardly a coincidence. The rose has been used in church symbolism for centuries to represent the Holy Faith, Our Lady, martyrdom, and penance. For a woman dedicated to Holy Mother Church, living a life of self-martyrdom and penance, and who practiced a lively devotion to the Mother of God, the name "Rose" truly defined this remarkable saint from Lima, Peru.

St. Rose of Lima, pray for us!

“If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or about troubles that may happen to him, if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men.” - St. Rose of Lima

Stay tuned for a new product, featuring this new posy - coming soon!

www.catholicembroidery.com

New! Embroidered iPad covers

Now fortifying home, church, and the electronic-world with the beauty of our Catholic Faith through stitches. Showcasing our new Crown of Wicklow design are our new 10' Embroidered iPad Covers! Made of black designer neoprene with a soft padded interior, these covers offer offer durability without bulk. Designed to be carried on it's own or inside your favorite bag with a full zipper closure, our covers protect more than your screen. Inspirational embroidery designs are combined with what could be called the simplest and most important "time management" mottos of all-time, offering visual reminders to the purpose of life and our work on earth towards Heaven.

Choose from two inspirational styles to make a perfect gift for that man, business associate, or mom-on-the-go in your life.  

• Our Cross and Crown of Wicklow design with words, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloraim" (Traditional Latin Motto: All for the greater honor and glory of God) 
• St. Benedict Medal (back) with motto: Ora et Labora (pray and work)

New Design: Crown of Wicklow

Inspired by the magnificence and closeness of earth to heaven in Glendalough, Ireland, this design is named appropriately, "Crown of Wicklow". The remains of St. Kevin's monastic settlement are nestled as churches, dwellings, and tombs within the breathtakingly beautiful Wicklow Mountains. We created this design in the hopes of conveying the triumph crown of heaven through the sufferings and trials of the Cross, as lived by the hundreds monks who followed St. Kevin into the wilderness. The yellow and blue jewels in this design stand for the colors of Wicklow, as flown in the flags of our own century, today.

This design can be found in our Online Gallery and would be perfect in application on totes, missal/book covers, afghans, and more. 

www.catholicembroidery.com

©Copyright, 2012. All embroidery designs, graphics, and images are the sole property of Precision Embroidery, LLC and may not be duplicated, shared, or reproduced in any manner without written permission.

The Embroidery of Inishfree

While following the trail of the saints on the Emerald Isle, I happened to come across a little cottage in County Clare. It was a place where the smoky smell of fresh peat burning in the hearth mixing with the musty aroma of a traditional thatched roof gave a satisfying warmth to a cool morning.

"I've met some folk who say that I'm a dreamer
And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say
For sure a body's bound to be a dreamer, When all the the things he loves are far away."

It was a one-room, unpretentious cottage that perfectly reflected the simplicity of the Irish people. One could almost see a little Irishwoman dancing about the open hearth, making brown bread, puddings, and stew to feed to a soon-expected crowd of hungry men. 

"And precious things are dreams unto an exile
They take him through a land across sea
Especially when it happens he's in exileFrom that dear lovely Isle of Innisfree."

Over all - this cottage was a specimen of suffering, poor Ireland that had been preserved for the modern world, lest anyone forget the trials of those who lived the life of persecuted for the sake of God and land. 

"And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
Of this great city, wondrous though it be
I scarcely feel the beauty or the magic. I'm once again back home in Inisfree."

The cottage door and a few small windows were kept open. And, if one didn't know any better, the gorgeous countryside beyond could easily be mistaken for the finest of paintings, drafted by the masters of landscape art. 

"I wander o'er green hills and dreamy valleys
And find a peace no other land could know
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
And see the rivers laughing as they flow."

A single candle burned beneath the only real framed piece of art in the room. It was a humble tapestry of primitive stitching and resourceful applique that came together to form the image of He Whose Heart bleeds for all men. While old and battered now, it clearly shows the Faith of the Irish - so often tested, but never stifled.  

"And then into a humble shack I wander
My own sweet home and tenderly behold
The folks I love around the turf fire gathered
On bended knees, their rosary is told."

If the Hand of God could be shown imprinted on this earth, I believe it would look like beautiful Ireland and her faithful people - on this beloved Inishfree.

"But dreams don't last though dreams are not forgotten
When we are back to stern reality.
And though they pave the footways here with gold dust
I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree."

www.catholicembroidery.com

*Inishfree, referred to by the poet Farrelly, represents all of Ireland.

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."

www.catholicembroidery.com

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.

www.catholicembroidery.com

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. :) 

To join in the spirit of this trip, visit Elizabeth Foss' website for a chance to win your own St. Patrick's Breastplace pillowcase set!

Go mbeannaí 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

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." From the OLAM Monastery Website

“ 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! 

www.olamshrine.com

www.nunsgiftshop.com

www.catholicembroidery.com