In These Three Hearts

Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee
Heart of Mary, I implore Thee
Heart of Joseph, good and just…
​In these three Hearts I place my trust.

A few years ago, a dear priest friend of ours approached us asking if we would do him the honor of creating a vestment for his 10th priestly anniversary in honor of the Three Hearts - the hearts of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph.

The vestment was finished nearly two months ago - just in time for the anniversary - and features hand-embroidery, including hand-spun cords for the swirl designs and pure velvet as the base of the hearts and the fleur de lis. 

Not only was this project a pure joy and gift to create, but it provided ample opportunities for meditiation - primiarly that of community life and beauty. Each sisters enters the convent with her own, unique, God-given talents. Desiring to give everything to her Beloved, the Sister lays these talents at the feet of Jesus, that He may use them as He sees fit. Sometimes our Lord asks us to leave these gifts in His hands, but more often than not, He uses them for the furthering of the community's charism, for His own glory, and for the salvation of souls. ​

Back pillar in its early stage

​Such was the case in the creation of this vestment, as it took the efforts of several Sisters to bring together the design - from drawing and lettering to embroidery techniques, tatting, and sewing precision (engineering really!) - many gifts and talents were brought together to create a unique work of art - as many souls are brought together in a community to form one family.

Front cross in its finishing stage

The vestment also speaks to our charism of prayer for priests. In union with Our Lady the Seamstress and Mother of Priests, each stitch was offered as an act of love for priests, particularly for graces to be poured down into this priest's heart, to renew in his heart the fervor he had on the day of his ordination, and for the savlation of the all the souls he comes in contact with.  
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After the adornment of the sanctuary, vestments are the first thing that capture our eye during Holy Mass, but their beauty serves to point to the One Who is Beauty Himself. Once the door of Beauty is opened, it is then easier to lead a soul into the Goodness and Truth of the Faith, and the Liturgy is truly a place where the Transendentals shine forth. When Beauty is allowed to speak, she speaks only of her God and His Church. 
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Often, too, the creation of something beautiful takes time - the embroidering of a vestment, the intricacies of lace making, the prepartion and practice of chant and music for the Liturgy - but the amount of time we invest in a project points to its value, and that which is created for the worship of God is of infinite value and therefore worth spending, giving, of our time time and heart.

We pray that the finished vestment brings a smile to Our Lord, His Mother, and dear St. Joseph, as it is truly one of its kind - but such do the Three Hearts deserve. 
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Jesus, Mary and Joseph: I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Assist me in my last agony.
​Jesus, Mary and Joseph: May I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.

3 Hearts Vestment Slideshow