| Brief Description |
This cloth-of-gold chasuble comes from the old St Mary's Catholic Church which was located in Victoria Avenue, Whanganui. A chasuble is the outer liturgical vestment worn during the celebration of the Mass and is worn over the alb and stole. It is normally made in the liturgical colour appropriate to the Mass being celebrated.
This chasuble is lined with scarlet satin; the back has extended shoulders attached to the front. All hems are finished with gold braid while the central front and back panels are finished with a wider gold braid.
The front of the garment is heavily embroidered in metallic thread with bunches of grapes and ears of wheat. The accompanying leaves are made of cardboard wound with thread and appliqued to the vestment. The braid at the back forms a cross with IHS in the centre. The neck is edged at the back with cream linen and lace.
IHS is a Christogram, or a Christly symbol, for the traditional abbreviation of the Greek words for Jesus Christ. This chasuble is used for the Easter period, which is Easter itself and for Eastertide, the 50 days afterwards.
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