Ms. Teresa Zhao Huimei, a 74-year-old Catholic woman from the Diocese of Zhouzhi in Shaanxi Province, China, has quietly and faithfully devoted her life to the Church through a unique craft, making exquisite vestments that carry not only beauty but also stories of faith, love, and perseverance.
Born into a devout Catholic family, Ms. Zhao grew up in an atmosphere of kindness and service. Her parents encouraged their children to contribute to the life of the Church, a value she carried into her marriage with the Liu family. Skilled in sewing, she joined fellow parishioners after China’s 1978 Reform and Opening Up, helping to produce liturgical garments, flags, tabernacle veils, altar cloths, and embroidered couplets.
After her husband passed away in 2014, Ms. Zhao moved to Xi’an to live with her second son. There, in 2015, she noticed that a local prayer house lacked vestments and liturgical items. She first requested a white alb and a two-colored stole from Fr. Ma. Soon after, drawing on her skills, she decided to replicate an old purple vestment from her home parish, producing new garments in various liturgical colors using traditional Chinese sewing techniques.
Determined to create vestments of both beauty and reverence, Ms. Zhao brought with her the sewing machine she had used for decades and searched Xi’an’s fabric markets for quality materials. For her, vestments were never just garments; they were sacred symbols of faith. Every stitch was an act of love and devotion.
Over the years, she has produced numerous sets of vestments, chasubles, and tabernacle veils in white, red, green, and purple, colors that enrich liturgical celebrations with their spiritual meaning. She renewed all the vestments and tabernacle veils of Púshàng parish and also gifted both traditional and modern chasubles to priests in need.
Her dedication extended to her family. Inspired by her example, her eldest and second sons now serve as parish ministers and join her in sewing vestments. Sometimes, three generations sit together at the worktable, stitching, sharing stories, and reflecting on faith. Through this shared craft, bonds within the family deepen while their Catholic heritage is passed on to the next generation.
As they work, Ms. Zhao explains the symbolism behind the colors and patterns of the vestments, helping her children understand not only the technique but also the faith that gives meaning to the garments.
Today, the vestments made by Ms. Zhao are worn by priests in various parishes. Each one carries her quiet devotion, her love for God, and her desire to serve the Church. She has never asked for recognition or payment. Her only wish is to contribute to the faith community with the work of her hands.
Now in her seventies, Ms. Teresa Zhao Huimei continues to embody faith, hope, and love through her humble craft. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in service of the Church.
Adapted from Faith Press
