On the Feast of St Michael the Archangel - Michaelmas

Happy Michaelmas Day! A little history for you on the roots of the feast this morning…

Today is the day we celebrate the feast of St Michael the Archangel. The feast day was considered so important in the early church it was a Holy Day of Obligation

At home we tell the story of St Michael defeating the dragon - the great good taking on the great evil. We make dragon bread for our dinner, to bring the story to life for little hearts and minds. The story we tell is an adaptation from scenes described by Saint John in the book of Revelation …but we were given a prayer for this day which we still say after every mass it’s origin lies with Pope Leo XIII…

After celebrating Mass, the aged Pope Leo XIII was in conference with the Cardinals when suddenly he sank to the floor in a deep swoon. Physicians who hastened to his side could find no trace of his pulse and feared that he had expired. However, after a short interval the Holy Father regained consciousness and exclaimed with great emotion: "Oh, what a horrible picture I have been permitted to see!"

St. Michael appeared and cast Satan and his legions into the abyss of hell. Soon afterwards Pope Leo XIII composed a prayer to St. Michael, imploring his protection for the Church.

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil.May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen”

The scenes in the Book of Revelation of St Michael defending the dragon are quite harrowing to read…but I do love how as human beings we are so intuitive in our story telling, how this very disturbing scene, we have managed to turn into something of wonder, awe, magic. A heroic tale of Good vs Evil. In a way that children can listen to, and take great moral lessons from. I love how also in this action …faith is very much ‘living’ it moves through the ages, and regional and cultural celebrations keep it alive.

K

Playing around with colour

Playing around with colour. #embroidery #planning #catholic #stmargaretclitherow #banner #stitch #oraetlabora #needlework #britishembrodery #ecclesiasticalembroidery

2 d

A Cassock in need of care

A Cassock in need of some care. 🖤

Cassocks are traditional Clerical Coats worn by Catholic Priests (amongst others). Traditionally (and preferably) they are made of pure wool for breathability and year round practicality, they are incredibly expensive at around £400 + for one.

This Cassock has been well loved and worn by my Parish Priest and is in need of some care an attention to not only make it wearable (it’s missing 12 buttons which makes it a little indecent 😅) the piping is coming loose around the neck and the colour has somewhat faded from Black, to more of a Grey.

Due to the fabric being wool and colour fade I have decided to use the over generous flap of fabric inside the placket turnover to cover the extra buttons needed (I’ll then hand turn and stitch this down. I will then hand stitch the buttons back on, secure the trim checking everywhere else, before hand dyeing this in a black dye suitable for wool fabric.

Hopefully meaning it will get more wear for many years to come.

It’s so important to support our priests who are stretched enough without having to mend and take care of clothing, let alone, when they haven’t time or resources to do that have to invest precious pennies in new garments when the old ones can be saved!

Looking forward to sharing an after photo when this is done in a couple of weeks time!

#sewing#catholicsewing#helpingpriests#craftassacredpractice#oraetlabora