A chasuble worth saving

Father O'Donnell saves beautifully detailed 90-year-old priestly garment

Father Paul O'Donnell, parochial Vicar at St. Mark's Parish in Boise, shows off the 90-year-old chasuble he saved from disposal. (Courtesy Photo)

By Fr. Paul O'Donnell

Parochial Vicar

St. Mark's Parish, Boise

for the ICR

About 15 years ago, I happened to walk into a sacristy (in a chapel that shall go nameless) where two well-meaning sacristans were bemoaning the state of disrepair of an obviously old chasuble, considering its disposal.

They asked me if I might want it, and I immediately replied in the affirmative, for despite its lamentable state, it was still beautiful. Almost  90=years-old, the cloth and detailed design were made in Belgium and France. The chalice is woven with real gold thread, making it very heavy, hence the sagging shoulders, broken neckline etc.

But God provided a talented seamstress who expertly repaired it all, including the faux gems adorning the foot of the chalice. Now I joyfully wear it, especially on the Feast of Corpus Christi and for First Holy Communion celebrations!

Beautiful vestments attract the faithful to the truth!

The 90-year-old chasuble Father Paul O'Donnell saved from disposal was repaired by a skilled seamstress, preserving its intricate detail. (Courtesy Photo)