Priest Makes Own Vestments!

by Erin Carelse · Published March 9, 2020 · Updated March 9, 2020

Fr Elvis Sebina Komane of Witbank diocese is seen wearing a chasuble and clerical shirt he designed and made himself.

A priest from the diocese of Witbank is making his own chasubles as a way of expressing his creativity.

Fr Elvis Sebina Komane, of St Joseph Mukasa parish in Emalahleni, says he developed his love for sewing clothes from his mother.

“When I was younger, my mother taught me the basics of sewing, and I started making my own clothes. From there my love for sewing has just grown,” Fr Komane said when contacted by The Southern Cross.

The priest comes from a small village called Stocking in Steelport, Limpopo, and was ordained on February 16, 2019, by the late Bishop Giuseppe Sandri of Witbank.

Last year Fr Komane set himself a challenge to see if he could make his own chasuble—and to his surprise, it turned out very well.

“I was very impressed with the end result. Being able to sew my own chasubles—from selecting fabric to completing the final details—fills me with pride and satisfaction,” he said.

The priest added: “It also means that I no longer have to spend money on something I can do myself.”

Fr Komane believes that many other priests have talents.

“Sometimes priests are afraid to share their talents with others, but I’m very proud of what I’m able to do,” he said.

Besides the chasubles, Fr Komane also makes traditional shirts and transforms everyday shirts into clerical ones.

Asked if he would be willing to share his talent and make garments for others, he said: “If people love my work, and want me to make things for them, I’ll be happy to take their order.”

The credit for his talent belongs to God, Fr Komane stressed.

“Sewing has given me a sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something handmade. These projects that I do are a way of maintaining the talent that God has given me,” he said.

For more information or to enquire about Fr Komane’s designs contact him on elviskomza@gmail.com.