which left just three months to develop designs, procure thousands of yards of silk fabric and embroidery thread, gather measurements of each cardinal from head to toe, tweak the designs, meet with Vatican officials, complete production and coordinate shipping and delivery.
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The papal chalice for the Nationals Mass
Here is the press release:
The Business of Designing for the Pope\
Connecticut Company’s Custom Designs \
Feature Symbols of the Catholic Faith \
\
SOUTHINGTON, CONN. April 4, 2008 — It’s work that only a chosen few ever get to do, and a Connecticut company is at the forefront. Baker Liturgical Art, LLC designed the vestments and the sacred vessels featured in the upcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI. The Pontiff will visit the White House, celebrate Masses in Nationals Park and The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and speak at Catholic University, April 15-17, before heading to New York City. \
Catholics will see some recognizable motifs on the vestments. The Archdiocese of Washington cross is featured prominently on all chasubles and miters. The Pontiff’s miter is richly, hand-embroidered with grapes and vines symbolizing the blood of Christ. The chasubles to be worn by approximately 25 cardinals and 300 bishops have been constructed of red silk to reflect the theme of the Holy Spirit. An additional 300 chasubles in white will be worn by the diocesan priests. Mr. Baker worked with Archbishop Wuerl and the Vatican to finalize the designs for the custom vestments and miters to be worn by the Holy Father and all concelebrants. \
“Designing for Pope Benedict’s first visit to the United States is the culmination of 30 years of work in my specialized field,” says Brian Baker, President of Baker Liturgical Art. Like many business transactions, Mr. Baker began with a letter, a proposal and a PowerPoint presentation. But unlike most other business transactions, his correspondence started with Archbishop Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington and ended at the Vatican. \
Baker Liturgical Art was awarded the contract in January, which left just three months to develop designs, procure thousands of yards of silk fabric and embroidery thread, gather measurements of each cardinal from head to toe, tweak the designs, meet with Vatican officials, complete production and coordinate shipping and delivery. \
“To work with European partners with centuries of craftsmanship in their respective arts is both gratifying and challenging,” says Mr. Baker, whose training came by way of his family’s business. His parents, immigrants from Dublin, founded Patrick Baker & Sons in Southington, CT in 1962. In 2003, Mr. Baker left to devote himself to the renovation and restoration of churches, including liturgical design and custom accessories for special events.\
Carlo Magno Chalice\
Baker worked with international partners Stadelmaier BV of Holland on the vestments and Luis Molina Acedo, S.A. of Madrid on all the metal work. A one-of-a- kind sterling silver Carlo Magno chalice will be used by the Holy Father in Washington. The design was chosen for its deep origins in Christianity and features two-tone gold plate finish and cloisonné fire enameled medallions. Additionally, Baker designed the chalices and ciboria to be used by the concelebrants of the Washington Mass, Archbishop Wuerl and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Sambi. These vessels were designed to complement the Carlo Magno design. \
Mass for the Masses\
The Pope’s visit includes a Mass at the new Nationals Park. A celebration of this magnitude calls for 300 custom engraved ciboria to be used for the distribution of the Blessed Sacrament to some 50,000 faithful expected to attend. Each ciborium features the engraved coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI as well as that of the Archdiocese of Washington.\
The Pope’s April 18-20th visit to New York includes a visit to Ground Zero and the United Nations General Assembly and Masses at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Yankee Stadium.\
In addition to customized liturgical accessories for special events, Baker Liturgical Art, LLC works in conjunction with companies throughout Europe and the United States to offer expert craftsmanship in millwork, marble, stained glass and \
sacred art in the creation of quality liturgical designs and furnishings. For more information call 1-860-621-7471.\
Ciborium — a small container with a lid, used to hold the consecrated wafers for Holy Communion.\
Chasuble — A loose sleeveless, outer garment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass or Holy Communion.\
Miter — The ceremonial headdress of a Christian bishop or abbot, consisting of a tall pointed hat creased across the top, with two ribbons hanging down the back.
— Julia Duin, assistant national editor/religion, The Washington Times
