During the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the choice of St. Tiago Menor as main patron of the Diocese of Funchal, on October 17, 2021, D. Nuno Brás, the Bishop of Funchal presented red episcopal vestments, with golden thread Madeira Embroidery applications.

These vestments were offered to the Bishop of Funchal D. Nuno Brás, on the 6th of October 2021, at the headquarters of IVBAM, by the Regional Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Humberto Vasconcelos, accompanied by the President of Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute (IVBAM), Paula Jardim Duarte precisely to be used in this historic celebration of the city of Funchal, the Pilgrimage of the Relics of São Tiago Menor.

Referring to the words of praise of the Regional Secretary, Humberto Vasconcelos, when delivering the aforementioned vestments, “This is a brilliant work, also praised by D. Nuno Brás, who extols the importance and uniqueness of the hands of the Embroiderers of Madeira”.

It should be noted that these episcopal vestments have as their authors, the designer Graciela Jesus and the embroiderer Cecília Manuela Gomes.

This action follows the initiative carried out last year, around Christmas, in which Episcopal vestments with applications in Madeira Embroidery were offered and used in “Missa do Galo”, to precisely mark the Christmas season in an even more.

Considering that one of the missions of the IVBAM, IP-RAM is to promote, safeguard and protect Madeira Embroidery, this is also a way of promoting one of the oldest arts in Madeiran ethnography and culture, with Madeira Embroidery in great evidence in the vestments of the Bishop of Funchal.

This action, promoted by IVBAM, IP – RAM, was co-financed in 85% under the Madeira 14-20 Program - Promotional Plan for Madeira Embroidery and Regional Crafts.