Seminarians: Granda's first visitors

Other items include Benediction copes and traditional albs with lace, surplices, altar linens, sacred vessels, a sterling silver gold-plated monstrance, candlesticks and cruets.

"They're all works of art," says Granda Liturgical Arts sales representative Mary Roth, who has represented the company since 2004 when she was inspired after walking past their main shop in Madrid.

"We also have hand-embroidered vestments. Nothing is mass produced."

She said the display is to "show young people beautiful items made for the worship of God".

"They're very tasteful and dignified."

On Wednesday, July 16, the Madrid head office's international sales manager, Rocio Montero, will be visiting to discuss client's inquiries. 

"I mainly sell to Catholic priests," Mary says. "The items are of very high quality." 

Her biggest sellers are vestments and sanctuary lamps.

The display will be held 10am-4pm daily (including weekends), at 235 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, in the front room of the old Presbytery next to St Peter's church. Since Roth is manning the stall herself, you can ring 0419 222 158 on the weekend to double check she'll be there.

Visit the website at www.artegranda.com 

GRANDA LITURGICAL ARTS BACKGROUND 

In 1891, Spanish priest Fr Felix Granda, 23, founded Talleres de Arte Granda (Granda Liturgical Arts). He guided the workshops under the motto: "O Lord, I loved the habitation of thy house and the place where thy glory dwells" (Psalm 25:8) and his own aspiration, "I am moved by the ideal of employing all of my strength to beautify your temples and altars."

By the beginning of the 20th century, Fr Granda had more than 200 sculptors, silversmiths, goldsmiths, metalworkers, painters, carpenters, enamellists, jewellers, designers artists and artisans in his workshops.

The company's mission is inspired by the Eucharist and the desire to create worthy objects for the greatest of mysteries. Its goal is to employ artistic and professional talents to promote and conserve the dignity of all sacred artwork and to invest in the continuous creation and formation of artists to serve the church through sacred art.

Granda Liturgical Arts also has a design department employing architects, interior designers, and engineers, which provides superb services in the renovation and custom design of church furnishings and interiors.