Talented Limerick student creates unique vestment for Munster-mad priest
Munster-mad priest gets special present to mark his 30th anniversary in minstry
A TALENTED fashion designer has created a unique vestment for a priest to mark his 30th anniversary in ministry.
Gabriele Bosella, who came to Limerick from Ukraine in 2022, volunteers with his mother Zhanna at St Joseph’s church in O’Connell Avenue.
A fashion student at Limerick School of Art and Design, he was asked by churchgoers if he could create a vestment in the red of Munster Rugby as a gift for Parish Priest Canon Derek Leonard.
The 22-year-old spent nearly two months making the garment, which has the famous Munster badge embroidered on the back, and the province’s triple crown on the stole.
"It required a lot of hand-stitching, and general sewing,” Gabriele explained.
Asked how he felt when Canon Leonard wore the vestment as he led his 30th anniversary Mass, he added: “It was so incredible. I've never witnessed my work being worn on such occasions.”
He was equally thrilled because, when the popular priest exited the church, people were taking “sneaky pictures” of the vestment on their phones!