DRESSING UP OUR LADY

Elaborately embroidered cape of the Sorrowful Mother

I can not let October pass without paying homage to our Blessed Mother.I happened to be on tour assignment at the time and experienced this exhibit by chance. Sometimes I do get lucky when I'm working. The tour group I was with was gob-smacked at this assemblage of Marian images specifically focused on the Sorrowful Mother- our Mater Dolorosa.

Our Lady of Lasalette

Escultura Religiosas Filipinas is an online group that was established in 2007.  Their main aim is to assemble enthusiasts who have a deep affection for religious images and to share expertise on the maiantenance and upkeep of their prized possession.  Now on its tenth year, this group of devotees put their resources together in mounting a special exhibit focusing on the various incarnations of Our Lady centering on the Dolorosa. The exhibit opened on the 21st of September and lasted until the 1st of October just in time for the month of the Holy Rosary.

Mater Dolorosa la Macarena

The images were presented in detailed fashion. No expense was spared in the execution of the exhibit. The various tableau for each image were festooned with flowers both fresh and artificial. Silver candelabras and "ramilletes" which are bas relief of flowers embossed on silver plates and used as adornment for altars. However, it was the vestments that stood out in the curating of the exhibit.(not to forget the precious stones) that encrusted the  golden crowns and "potencias" on the virgins' heads and the daggers in her heart.

San Agustin's convento proved to be a fitting venue to showcase. The halls of the monastery with its high ceilings were more than enough to accommodate the canopies of some of the images as well as the carozas included in the collection. the hallways were also wide enough to fit in the magnificently embroidered cape done in "inuod" style (raised embroidery in satin stitch).

The older images were obviously in ivory. Some of the statues were made in wood but done in ivory finish (encarnado). I can discern the hand of Willie Layug in  some of the images that are more contemporary. I find that I have a predilection for embroidery done in gold thread. I think because gold thread is hard to come by these days. Nevertheless, even the vestments embroidered in silk thread must have cost a pretty penny.

There's still a few more hours before the month of October ends. As I continue with my daily rosary to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, I look at these photos for inspiration. I hope you, my dear readers, realize that the rosary may be prayed anywhere, at any time of the day, for any purpose whatsoever with or  without these  meticulously designed religious images. I'm just glad, though, that centuries of our devotion to our Mother has not waned...