Ship of Fools: St Luke’s, Peckham, London

The Mystery Worshipper

Ship of Fools: St Luke’s, Peckham, London

Greeted with hymn books, smiles, and a 5-10 minute peace

Read the full Mystery Worshipper report here

Spike

“ the altar party were in chasu-albs (except the vicar)”

I’ve never heard of a chasu-alb. Can anyone explain what it is?

Bishops Finger

I thought perhaps the MWer meant *cassock-albs*, which would seem likely. Presumably the vicar wore a proper chasuble ( and a photo elsewhere on their website supports this).

angloid

About 50 years ago there was a style of vesture imported from the Netherlands which could have been called a chasu-alb. It consisted of a very large white chasuble, which was worn over street clothes and completely hid them, over which the priest wore a (usually very broad and long) stole. I don't know if it was ever officially approved of by the RCC, but a priest I knew was very keen on the idea. I doubt if many have survived!

I wouldn't have thought it was a very appropriate or practical garment for altar servers however.

Bishops Finger

angloid wrote: »

About 50 years ago there was a style of vesture imported from the Netherlands which could have been called a chasu-alb. It consisted of a very large white chasuble, which was worn over street clothes and completely hid them, over which the priest wore a (usually very broad and long) stole. I don't know if it was ever officially approved of by the RCC, but a priest I knew was very keen on the idea. I doubt if many have survived!

I wouldn't have thought it was a very appropriate or practical garment for altar servers however.

Now that you mention it, something along these lines is apparently permitted wear in RC churches in the Philippines. However, my guess is still that the MWer (and it is a good Report) saw cassock-albs...much more likely in the C of E.