By John Rohlf, The Message assistant editor
A set of table linens based on the architectural features of St. Benedict Cathedral allows individuals to “take home a memory of the liturgy,” Father Alex Zenthoefer said.
Several months ago, Father Zenthoefer, Diocesan Vicar General and rector of St. Benedict Cathedral, noticed a couple of his friends, Lucia Bertaggia and Margherita Vezzani, were making table linens based on designs they saw in Catholic Churches. Father Zenthoefer contacted them to see if they were interested in coming to the Cathedral to see the church and potentially design a set of table linens.
They visited the Cathedral and set to work on designs shortly afterwards. The first linens were created in October.
“For me, the desire was not to create another fundraiser, but to create an opportunity for our people to take home a memory of the liturgy,” Father Zenthoefer said. “A reminder to unite their meals at home with the sacrificial meal we celebrate at Mass.”
Vezzani said it was both a surprise and an immense honor to design the limited edition collection. They saw it as an opportunity to rediscover and share the beauty of sacred art with families and bring it into their homes.
“The BENEDICTVS collection reflects the beauty and faith of this community, resonating far beyond Indiana,” Vezzani said. “It shows how sacred art and shared values can unite and uplift, becoming a beacon for other dioceses and Catholic communities to follow. Beauty truly knows no boundaries, and Evansville’s example is a testament to that.”
Bertaggia was the designer for the project. She was “deeply captivated” by the artwork adorning the baldacchino, prominently situated on the altar at St. Benedict Cathedral. She said the first pattern draws inspiration from the ceiling above the baldacchino.
“During Mass, this view is visible only to the celebrant and only at the precise moment of consecration,” Bertaggia said. “From the angels set against a radiant golden backdrop, vines emerge and spread across the entire surface…”
The second pattern designed for the runners is inspired by the central, upper section of the baldacchino. Father Zenthoefer noted the table runners pull its design from the cupola of the baldacchino with its geometric pattern that highlights the work of humanity operating in harmony with the work of God. The third pattern used for the napkins is inspired by the medallions representing the fruits of new life in Christ, Bertaggia said. The napkins show the floral pattern adorning the baldacchino as well as the new organ, Father Zenthoefer said.
“It has been such a joy to share this story,” Father Zenthoefer said. “Because it is exactly what we want to do as the Cathedral: we want to shape culture by inviting people to pattern their lives off of the experience of the liturgy.”
The linens can be seen and purchased at: https://barefoothomemade.com/product/benedictvs-linen-tablecloth/. Anyone interested in purchasing the table linens can also contact Father Zenthoefer by email at [email protected] or by calling the parish office at 812-425-3369.