the Bellarmine
the Bellarmine
Named for St. Robert Bellarmine, the patron saint of catechists. This beautiful stole is white Kona cotton, overlaid with stunning white lace precisely placed to mirror the pattern on both stole sides. The Bellarmine speaks to the ordered and patterned nature of religious education, while remembering that the primary aim of the catechist is to model God's beauty and love to all.
Customization Options for the Bellarmine
Stole Cut Style
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut (recommended)
The Classic Cut (photos of the Bellarmine are shown in the Classic Cut)
The Tailored Stole Signature Cut was created by Andrea Farley after interviews with priests. A common complaint was of the stole either cutting into the back of the neck or creeping up the neck. Some priests also noted the challenge of stoles shifting side-to-side. The Tailored Stole Signature Cut is an attempt to address these challenges. The top portion of the neck cut has been narrowed to allow it to lay flat on the wearer's upper back without cutting into or creeping up the neck. It also reduces the chance of side-to-side shifting as it fits snugly around the shoulders rather than perching on the top of the shoulders. This cut looks good on men and women alike, and both men and women have reported it feeling more comfortable and secure.
The Classic Cut is a wider, more traditional stole cut. It has a curved neck cut that "stands up" against the back of the neck -- a good choice if there is a desire for embellishment (such as a cross embroidery) on that portion of the stole.
Stole Length
This stole is made to order to your custom length.
The easiest way to find you preferred stole length is to try some on and measure an existing stole that you love the length of. The way to measure it is from the neck seam down one stole length.
If that option is not feasible, a tape measure and a friend work just fine. Be sure to stand tall and hold the tape measure to the back base of your neck. Have your friend find your measurement at the point you want your stole to end.
Lining Fabric Color Choice
The Lining Fabric refers to the fabric on the reverse side of the stole. Each stole comes with a number of suggested color choices for the lining fabric, but requests for different colors can be made.
Lining Fabric Color Recommendations for the Bellarmine include:
Eucalyptus Kona Cotton (soft green)
Soft Silver Kona Cotton
Pewter Kona Cotton
True White Kona Cotton
Snow Kona Cotton (soft white, not off-white)