Mary D. Harper
Mary Dufresne Harper is the author of The Liturgical Style Guide and her forthcoming book, What the Saints Wore. She was raised a cradle Catholic in New Orleans, LA where she encountered the Lord while participating in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans and ecumenical prayer groups. She received her Masters of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Ave Maria University where she met her husband, John-Paul Harper (a fellow theologian). One of her greatest joys was teaching high school theology for four years at an all-girls Catholic school on the East Coast. She continues writing for Litany NYC a Catholic made-to-measure clothing company that prioritizes Catholic Social Teaching in their production process.
The story behind Liturgical Style
Litany NYC Articles
2022
The overwhelming positive response to “7 Ways Your Clothes Can Prepare You This Holy Week” article led Mary to continue writing what was coined “liturgical style” content for the Litany NYC Blog.
Research & Drafts
2023
With encouragement from the Litany NYC Team, Mary began research and drafting of The Liturgical Style Guide.
Instagram Account
2024
February, Mary started @liturgicalstyle as a soft launch of the book and the followers grew by the hundreds each month. The newsletter opened in November after encouragement from the GIVEN Institute mentorship program.
Book Publishing
2025-2026
What the Saints Wore
present
Research and writing for her second book, What the Saints Wore, overlapped with The Liturgical Style Guide. Mary continues to research through reading various manuscripts of saints’ writings, saint biographies, relics, and the science behind textiles. The goal is to have the book published by the end of 2027.
After careful discernment, Mary decided to self-publish The Liturgical Style Guide in order to work directly with the illustrator and graphic designers. The first edition (limited blue clothbound), sold out in less than two months.
podcasts & articles
podcasts & articles
Reading
Featured in the National Catholic Register:
Dress like the Saints: Inside the Closets of Holy Men and Women
The Fabric of Faith: What Our Lady’s Wardrobe Reveals About Her Mission
Mary’s latest articles can be found on the Litany NYC Blog
Listening
Guest on the Charisms for Catholics podcast with Jill Simons of Many Parts Ministries:
“Using Your Charisms through Liturgical Style”
Interviewed on the Register Radio about the fashion of saints:
“A New Patron Saint of Fashion?”
Liturgical Living series on the Made Good podcast with The Catholic Nutritionist:
“Dressing for Easter + Pentecost”
Speaking Engagements
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If priests and religious are called to pray through their garments—what might this look like for laypersons? What does it mean to pray through our garments based on Scripture & Tradition? Let’s walk through Church History discussing the beauty of the Liturgical Year and the role of garments.
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We cannot turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in the fashion industry. We have a duty to be aware of the injustices in the fashion industry for sake of upholding the dignity of the human person. What does it mean to shop with Catholic Social Teaching in mind as Catholics? Why should Catholics make an effort to consider the ethics and sustainability of clothing businesses?
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What stories do the garments of saints tell us? From Perpetua’s hairpin to Pier Giorgio Frassati’s hiking gear—the clothing of saints reveals their testimony to the Gospel
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The stories of the martyrs are the antithesis of an apathetic prayer life. Let’s run the race and fight the good fight with the zeal of the martyrs in the ordinary day-to-day.
Looking for a speaker for your campus ministry event, parish retreat, youth group, women’s retreat, or Catholic conference? Mary’s favorite topic to teach and preach are below (but not limited to) …
FAQs
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Anyone who desires to encounter Jesus through their garments can apply liturgical style. It can be as simple as inviting the Holy Spirit into your moments of getting dressed. Though the target audience is definitely women, men have enjoyed dressing with the liturgical seasons in mind too!
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The main goal is to wear garments that will tangibly remind you of the graces offered to us in the ordinary. By learning the theological significance of colors and textiles—you can intentionally and creatively wear an outfit based on the Liturgical Year. The hope is to put on a posture of receptivity to the Holy Spirit when getting dressed in the morning. Where the Spirit is present—creativity abounds. Many have discovered growth in their personal style and prayer life through this practice.
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In applying liturgical style—let it be simple. Some feast days you might be inspired and be aware of theological connections in every item you put on from your shoes to your earrings. Other days—it might be putting on the same stained sweatshirt with a sigh of “Holy Spirit I welcome You here, even now.” The goal is to pray while getting dressed—to be reminded of the Lord’s nearness in our garments.
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Mary posts frequent style guides for feast days and liturgical seasons on Instagram @liturgicalstyle. She also sends out a seasonal newsletter. The most comprehensive source is her book, The Liturgical Style Guide.
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What the Saints Wore is in the process of editing with plans to be published by the end of 2027.
Contact
Looking to book Mary as a speaker, podcast guest, freelance article or interview? Message today!