CM Almy Creates 500 Stoles for Priests and Deacons
GREENWICH, Conn., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- When the faithful come forward for communion at the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20th, they will be served by 500 Catholic priests and deacons. Each of these clergymen will wear a white stole designed and made in Pittsfield, Maine, by CM Almy, America's oldest church outfitter.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080410/NYTH084 )
Stoles are long, narrow scarf-like garments that are worn around the neck and shoulders by priests, and across the chest, like a sash, by deacons. According to Almy, the stole is the primary emblem of ordained ministry, symbolizing the yoke of Christ. For that reason, they are cherished by clergy people. The Archdiocese of New York, which ordered the stoles from Almy, specified that each be embroidered "Benedict XVI, April 20, 2008" and plans to give them to participating clergy as keepsakes.
"Church vestment making is still centered in Europe. The Pope and much of his retinue are outfitted by European companies," said Almy President Stephen Fendler. "Yet we believe the Archdiocese trusts us to make vestments and appointments for its clergy, and for distinguished guests, that are equal to the world's finest. They also know that we can manage such a large project reliably. Over the years, it has been a privilege to be a part of many moments, big and small, in the life the Archdiocese."
According to Fendler, this is just the latest project in a long collaboration with the Archdiocese of New York. Almy produced communion vessels and vestments for Pope John Paul II's historic Yankee Stadium Mass in 1979, and the company made a special processional cross for his visit to St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers in 1995. Many of those articles will be used again at several events during Benedict XVI's visit to New York this month.
CM Almy was founded in New York City in 1892 and is America's oldest and largest outfitter to the church and clergy. Almy makes fine church vestments, clergy and choir apparel, communion vessels and decorative metal appointments at its factory in Pittsfield, Maine, where it employs 100 people. It also maintains a Metro New York area presence, with a showroom, design and sales offices in suburban Greenwich, Connecticut, employing an additional 40 people. Through its catalogs and website, Almy serves Christian churches and clergy across the United States and throughout the world.
For more information, including photos of the Papal Mass Stoles, or to schedule an interview with Stephen Fendler, please call Ann-Marie Swantek at (203) 542-1626, or email aswantek@almy.com.
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