Sunday 23 December 2007

Cardinal Manning's Cope

The sacristans set out Cardinal Manning's Cope for Solemn Vespers and Benediction this afternoon. It is a wonderful vestment, and I had Fr Slawek (our equally wonderful chaplain) model it after the service.

It bears the Cardinal's bold motto: Malo Mori Quam Foedari (I prefer to die rather than to be compromised), and is in extremely good condition. The fabric is purple silk with gold thread, embroidered on the hood and orphrey in raised and padded work - it is late 19th century, and probably Italian.

Our records maintain that this cope was one of those worn by Cardinal Manning when he attended the First Vatican Council between 8 December 1869 and 1 December 1870.

Cardinal Henry Edward Manning (1808 - 1892) was second Archbishop of Westminster and (to my mind) the greatest, deserving comparison with his contemporary Cardinal Newman. It was a thrill to wear this vestment, connected to such a great prelate.

3 comments:

John said...

Great blog, love the photos. Please, please, please show pics of Midnight Mass! :D

John the organist said...

Stunning cope!

Anonymous said...

I was very interested to read about Cardinal Manning's Cope and looking at the insignia and Motto I was wondering where the Cope was made. In the Catholic Police Guild we recently discovered a large Banner dedicated to the Sacred Heart embossed with symbols and made very similarily to the COPE. This might just trace the History of our Banner which is very splended and was kept in a cupboard at the Cathedral and NOT displayed for over sixty years until our Requiem Mass in November for deceased Police Officers. Is there any knowledge of where the Cope was made?.
thank You
Maurice Smith
Catholic Police Guild