The Saint Bede Studio Blog

The Papal Mass in Saint Peter's 60 years ago

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Wed, 7 Oct 2026 00:30:41 +1100

Adjacent is a rather rare photograph, taken in Saint Peter's during a Session of the Second Vatican Council.

Standing at the centre of the altar is Pope Paul VI and with him, concelebrating bishops. At the Opening of the Third and Fourth Sessions of the Council, which took place on 14th September, 1964 and 14th September, 1965 respectively, Pope Paul concelebrated Mass in the basilica with a select number of the Council Fathers.

This Mass, of course, is being celebrated according to those modifications of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite known colloquially as The Interim Missal. The Rite of concelebration, however, is quite similar to that which is found in the new Missal of 1969.

Nevertheless, the concelebrated Masses celebrated in Saint Peter's before the introduction of the new Missal differed very significantly from those after that date, as is illustrated by this photograph. Although the Basilica on this occasion was filled with bishops, archbishops and cardinals from all around the world, only a small number concelebrated with the Pope.

These concelebrants were standing at the altar during the Canon and Communion Rite. To facilitate this, a temporary enlargement of the altar of the Confession was made, together with platforms on which the concelebrants would stand.

It was of little importance that the concelebrants obscured the congregation's view of the principal celebrant, the Pope. The most important considerations, therefore, were that the concelebrants stood at the altar in close proximity to each other (and the principal celebrant) AND that they could clearly look upon the elements to be consecrated.
How things have changed.
Click on the images for an enlarged view.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 15

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sun, 4 Oct 2026 21:47:19 +1100

In this post, we are pleased to present another set of green vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

The set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade with figured Crosses and quatrefoils in a bright shade green upon a black background. This gives the set the appearance of a quite dark green. The vestments are lined in a brighter shade of green taffeta.

The ornament is in the English style and is formed from an orphrey braid in colours of green, white and straw-gold upon red. This braid, named ChiRho, is one of the unique braids of the Saint Bede Studio.

This beautiful and distinctive set of vestments was commissioned by a bishop in the United States.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Michael the Archangel

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:54:36 +1000

In this post is depicted an elegant festal dalmatic made by the Studio for an Australian customer to match a set of Low Mass vestments.

The dalmatic is made from ecclesiastical brocade and fully lined in a rich golden taffeta. In this instance, the choice was made to ornament the dalmatic with a Gothic Revival orphrey braid in colours of red and gold.

The work of the Saint Bede Studio is distinctive for its artistic qualities and the pains taken with every detail, such as the alignment of ornaments. Even a restrained set of vestments like this is striking for its combination of colours and fine workmanship.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Wenceslaus

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:39:40 +1000

On this Feastday of the good King, Saint Wenceslaus, we are pleased to present a set of red vestments, in the Borromeon style.

This set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade in a beautiful shade of crimson red and is lined in a coppery shade of taffeta.

The ornament was formed from one of the Studio's unique braids in colours of Old Gold and burgundy, with a hint of white, upon red. It features knot-work, rather than our usual mediaeval style. We called the braid Saint Columba. It can be used with any of the liturgical colours, excepting rose.

The orphrey is outlined with another knot-work narrow galloon in the same colours.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 14

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:51:42 +1000

In this Season Per Annum the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present another set of green vestments. We strive to avoid the idea that the designation Ordinary Time is a reason to make green vestments which are non-descript, or lacking in inspiration.

This set is in the style common in the mediaeval period, being quite different in shape from the modern chasuble. With the arms by the sides, the mediaeval chasuble is almost the shape of a bell and often referred to as such, or as the conical chasuble.

The distinctive thing about this form of chasuble - quite different from the modern chasuble - is its drapery. When the arms of the wearer are raised, the chasuble gathers into folds from the bottom upward, not from the centre outward (as with the modern "Gothic" chasuble).

The Studio has made many such chasubles, based upon careful study of illustrations of mediaeval chasubles and examination of modern reproductions. Through trial and error, the Studio has developed a form of conical chasuble which is comfortable to wear, although the wearer certainly benefits from the assistance of a minister to adjust the chasuble.

This set is made from an ecclesiastical brocade. The ornament is formed from a reproduction of a mediaeval braid, in colours of crimson, straw-yellow and white upon a dark background.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Blessed Fulton Sheen, Bishop and Confessor

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:24:01 +1000

24th September

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +1000

The Blessed Virgin Mary is honoured on 24th September under various titles :

Our Ladye of Ransom;

Our Ladye of Mercy and

Our Ladye of Walsingham.

In this post, we are pleased to describe a set of Marian vestments which we call Ave Maris Stella, being in the Gothic Revival style. These vestments have been very popular with customers of the Studio.

The decorative focus of this vestment is an orphrey braid which is based on the work of AWN Pugin. This braid is produced in two shades of blue (lighter and darker) with figured ornament in gold.

These vestments were made from an ecclesiastical damask in the shade of ivory and lined in mid-blue taffeta.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Apostle Matthew

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:55:00 +1000

On this Feast of the Apostle Matthew, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a glimpse of a set of red vestments in the Gothic Revival Style. The vestments were made from a rich shade of English ecclesiastical brocade and lined in taffeta of a brass-gold colour.

The ornament was formed from one of the Studio's unique braids Saint Giles in colours of burgundy and straw-gold, upon red. These vestments are simple in their ornamentation, but striking. There is no need here for fine embroideries, but the effect is created with strong colours and contrasts : the hallmark of the work of the Saint Bede Studio.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Triumph of the Holy Cross

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:19:03 +1000

On this beautiful Feast, the Studio is pleased to present this vestment in our Saint Anselm style.

This style of chasuble, which we have been making for a few years now, is simple and comfortable to wear. Although the chasuble is unlined, it is made from substantial, not flimsy material, so that it hangs down well. Around the neckline, on the underside of the chasuble is a facing, which causes the vestments to sit well on the shoulders.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Concerning the appearance of this vestment, it is intended to be a mixture of the contemporary and the traditional. It is a long chasuble and reaching near to the wrists. It is ornamented simply. The colour of the ornament varies, but consists of two columns made from silk with a selection of the Studio's unique braids.

In the case of this chasuble, the Studio's knotwork braid Saint Columba is laid upon pendants of vibrant red silk dupion. These pendants are attached to the front and to the back of chasuble and not hanging loosely.

Each of these simpler chasubles is supplied with a fully-lined stole. They are available in all the liturgical colours.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 18:50:37 +1000

On this beautiful Feast day, we are pleased to present a set of vestments in honour of the Blessed Virgin. The vestments are made from a brocade in ivory and fully-lined in blue taffeta.

The chasuble in this post is ornamented is an adaptation of the well-known Roman style, a TAU at the front and a column at the back, formed by a silk damask in beautiful shade of blue and an outlining galloon in blue and straw-gold.

These vestments are in the Studio's Saint Philip Neri style, which is the product of years of research into historical vestments and refinement of dimensions for comfortable use. The Studio revived this more ample 16th century style of the Roman chasuble in 2007 and since then we have made many of them. Beware of poorly-made imitations!

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 13

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 20:06:25 +1000

In this post is depicted a set of vestments in a beautiful shade of green ecclesiastical brocade. These vestments are in one of our Gothic Revival styles. The chasuble and accessories were lined in straw-coloured taffeta.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

The braid used to ornament these vestments is called S' Edmund, based on the work of AWN Pugin.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 12

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 22:10:02 +1000

This post features a set of vestments in the Studio's nod to contemporary styles. This style we call Saint Martin. It is both long and wide and is especially designed to fold up beautifully when the arms of the celebrant are elevated.

Tasteful contemporary vestments are made by certain studios in Italy, France and Germany, but we also make them here in Australia at the Saint Bede Studio. This set has a simple dignity and is made from high quality fabrics.

These vestments are made from a darker shade of green brocade and lined with a contrasting green fabric. The ornament is very simple : a TAU in the front and a column at the back, formed from an ecclesiastical brocade in colours of burgundy and old gold.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Augustine of Hippo

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:02:48 +1000

On this Feast of Saint Augustine, the Studio is pleased to present a glimpse of a set of festal vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

This set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade in ivory. The vestments are lined in a muted shade of taffeta.

The ornament is formed from an orphrey braid in colours of blue and straw-gold upon a red background. This is one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Edmund and is directly based on a design by AWN Pugin.

This is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Monica

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:20:00 +1000

On this lovely Feast, the Studio is pleased to present a set of festal vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

This set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade in a muted shade of gold. The vestments are lined in a shade of red taffeta.

The ornament is formed from an orphrey braid in colours of red and straw-gold upon a green background. This is one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Edmund and is directly based on a design by AWN Pugin.

This is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Louis, King

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:51:13 +1000

On the Feast of the confessor Saint Louis, King of France, the Studio is pleased to present a simple set of vestments according to our Saint Giles design. This elegant chasuble, made from a cream coloured silk blend jacquard, is extremely lightweight and flows beautifully.

The chasuble is ornamented with a braid of the Studio's design, in colours of red, burgundy and gold. This design is directly based upon a Belgian early-20th century chasuble which appears on page 92 of Dom Roulin's well-known study Vestments and Vesture (1931). The image from Dom Roulin's book is reproduced below.

Dom Roulin's fascinating study has recently been reprinted by the Romanitas Press and is highly recommended by this Studio.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:30:00 +1000

On this Feastday, the Studio is pleased to present a glimpse of this set of red vestments.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Crimson-red dupion silk is lined with a light green taffeta and is ornamented with one of the Studio's braids called Saxony, being knotwork in three colours.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 11

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 23:30:00 +1000

In this post is depicted a new set of vestments in a beautiful shade of green dupion silk and ornamented with braids in colours of straw-gold upon red.

These vestments are in one of our Gothic Revival styles. The chasuble and accessories were lined in rust-red taffeta.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 20:54:05 +1000

On this beautiful Feast, we are pleased to present this image from a set of Marian vestments.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

This is the maniple from the set which is ornamented with a combination of braids, one laid upon the other. The principal braid is one of our newer orphrey braids; it is called Walsingham. Accompanying this braid are strips of our narrow galloon of quatrefoils, called Saint Barnabas.

Walsingham braid employs two shades of blue, one a sky blue, the other Royal Blue and upon these two colours, the ornamental design is figured in (non-metallic) gold. The braid is a sequence of circles, enclosing a Gothic Revival Latin cross. Although not a reproduction of the work of the Gothic designer AWN Pugin, this Walshingham braid incorporates Puginesque elements.

No matter whether you shop for your vestments in Poland, India, England or America, you will not find another braid like Walsingham. It is just one of the Saint Bede Studio's unique braids, designed by the writer of this blog and made exclusively for the Studio's use.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:21:12 +1000

On this Feastday of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Studio is pleased to present a set of vestments in a more contemporary style. This style we call Saint Martin. It is both long and wide and is especially designed to fold up beautifully when the arms of the celebrant are elevated (as is shewn in the adjacent image).

An ivory shade of dupion silk is lined with lemon-coloured taffeta and is ornamented with one of the Studio's unique braids (called Saint Raymund) in colours of red, white and straw-gold upon royal blue. The ornament is very simple : a TAU in the front and a column at the back.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Assumption

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:40:40 +1000

On this lovely feast of the Assumption, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to describe this Marian chasuble being in the Gothic Revival style.

The decorative focus of this vestment is a new orphrey braid, featuring the Marian star found in many images of the Blessed Virgin. This braid, which we call Salus Populi, is produced in two shades of blue (lighter and darker) with figured ornament in gold and white.

The braid is punctuated with the words :

Salve : Salus : Spes : Nostra

These vestments were made from an ecclesiastical brocade in the shade of ivory and lined in rose-coloured taffeta.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Returning

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 18:25:18 +1000

During June and July, the proprietor of this Studio was recovering from an injury and dealing with other unforeseen circumstances. Pre-arranged posts continued on the Studio blog but much of the business of the Studio had to be deferred.

I have now returned to full-time duties.

Our sewing work continued during this period, so that the schedule of commissions for 2026 has been going along as planned at the beginning of the year.

For those who read an earlier post, thank you for words of encouragement and prayers. And apologies to any who were inconvenienced by this absence.

Michael Sternbeck

Newcastle NSW

12th August 2026.

Saint Clare of Assisi

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:00:00 +1000

On this lovely feast, we are pleased to present a glimpse of a set of festal vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

This set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade and is lined in a shade of lemon taffeta.

The ornament is formed from an orphrey braid in colours of deep blue and straw-gold upon a red background. This is one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Edmund and is directly based on a design by AWN Pugin. It features the sacred monogram " IHS ".

Although not elaborate, this is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Lawrence, martyr

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +1000

On this feast of the martyr, Saint Lawrence, we are pleased to present this red dalmatic. Made from a European brocade and fully-lined in taffeta, this dalmatic is ornamented with a simple foliated braid in colours of burgundy and straw.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2026 : 10

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 13:32:55 +1000

In this post is depicted a new set of vestments in a beautiful shade of green dupion silk and ornamented with braids in colours of straw-gold upon red.

These vestments are in one of our Gothic Revival styles. The chasuble and accessories were lined in rust-red taffeta.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Saint Mary of the Cross

noreply@blogger.com (The Saint Bede Studio) — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 13:46:06 +1000

On this Feast of the Australian saint, Mother Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) the Studio is pleased to present a set of festal vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

This set is constructed from an English ecclesiastical brocade and is lined in a muted yellow shade of taffeta.

The ornament is formed from the Y shaped orphrey in colours of burgundy and straw-gold upon a red background. This is one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Giles.

Although not elaborate, this is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG