By Cassandra Taylor, Publications Assistant
On January 25, 2024, the gift of the Class of 2023 was put to use for the first time: a beautiful set of vestments for Eucharistic Adoration. Fr. Rory Traynor of the Diocese of Manchester wore the cope and humeral veil, whose pelican design mirrors that of the chapel’s tabernacle, for Exposition and Benediction.
While Seniors, the Class of 2023 had considered many different ideas for their class gift—from a weathervane for the barn’s cupola to benches for the piazza—before they were inspired to provide something for the chapel. “Ultimately, we found that there was sufficient need for a cope. Providentially, this idea encompassed much of what our class wanted to give back to the College,” stated Ben Lillis ’23.
“All of us immediately loved the idea,” commented Rose Dussault ’23. “We knew we would be giving the College something beautiful and lasting that would contribute to the rich liturgical life of the community.”
“We chose something liturgical because we knew that the gift would be well used and honored,” Paul Harty ’23 agreed. “Adoration vestments are, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful and rich in symbolism. By their very use and construction, they draw your mind to contemplate the mystery of the Eucharist. Why doesn’t the priest just pick Jesus up with his hands, since they are consecrated for that purpose? Why does he fold Jesus gently into the fold of the veil to return Him to the tabernacle? They are a sacramental that helps us to realize the gravity of what we are doing when we adore Christ in His Real Presence.”
Luzar Vestments of Oxfordshire, England was recommended to Mr. Lillis by a priest friend. “Mr. Luzar was so gracious and helpful throughout the whole process, and we’re so grateful,” said Mr. Harty. “We were impressed with the quality and beauty of their vestments, but I am personally touched by their sale of used vestments. This set was already used by many priests and faithful before us, but God provided these garments that are ‘fitted’ to our Chapel—pelican and all! We’re simply inheritors, and now the story and life of these vestments have begun a new chapter in the life of Thomas More College.”
Miss Dussault concurred, “We loved the way it matched the design on the chapel’s tabernacle, and that connection made this set the obvious choice. Giving something to the College that adds to the beauty of its liturgical life is truly a blessing.”
“We are extremely honored that our class gift will play a small part in the spiritual life Thomas More College offers her students, unto their ultimate good,” said Mr. Lillis. “The humeral veil and cope are a beautiful reminder that our lives are only meaningful in the service of God, and it is living our life in the service of God that best repays the College for our formation.”
“Our most important work, the most important thing we could ever do, is to assist at the Liturgy, which Eucharistic Adoration is an ‘extension’ of,” observed Mr. Harty. “Our whole eternal beatitude in Heaven is one long Liturgy, one constant communion before the Face of God. We are humbled to perhaps provide a little foretaste of this when students see our gift, and we are praying that many students after us will be quickened and formed by hours spent in front of Our Lord.”
“Ultimately the class gift is not about the class that gives it, it should be about the institution to which it is given,” reflected Mr. Lillis in closing. “It is a token of gratitude for all that we have received. Thomas More College is a true alma mater, a mother that gives herself entirely to her students and asks very little in return other than the good of the students that pass through her doors. It is impossible to repay the debt we owe to the College for the formation we received on natural terms, but thankfully the Catholic Church provides other means to repay what is otherwise impossible.”
For further reading:
Bringing the Flame of Faith to the World:The Class of 2023 Graduates
Archbishop Donates Replica of the Last Testament of Isabel “the Catholic” to TMC
