Embroidered Humeral Veil

St Augustine's Church, Kilburn, London NW6

"The humeral veil (velum humerale) is a long rectangular piece of fabric, generally accompanied by two ribbon ties near the breast, that is worn over the shoulders by the priest when performing Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament or carrying the Sacrament in procession, or by the Subdeacon at the Solemn Mass when carrying the chalice or when holding the paten.... this liturgical item ... is ... both one of the most neglected in our considerations of vestments and frequently also one of the most beautiful for reason of its harmony and proportions." — Shawn Tribe

Photograph by John Salmon, with thanks to St Augustine's Church; text added by Jacqueline Banerjee. [Mouse over the text for links.]