The Vestments of the traditional Catholic priest

A Latin prayer is recited while each piece while it is being donned.

The Chasuble

The word "chasuble" is derived from the Latin word "casula" or "little house" because it was at times literally used as a shelter by clergy. Unlike modern chasubles, traditional chasubles are required to have a large cross on the back to signify the yolk of service to our Lord. In times past it was very large, heavy and ornamented, which is why you see altar boys helping the priest to support it during Mass.

Vesting Prayer - "O Lord, who has said, ‘My yoke is sweet and my burden light,’ grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace."

The Alb

Long white linen garment symbolizing innocence and purity which covers the entire body. "Alba" means "white" in Latin.

Vesting Prayer - "Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my heart; that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb I may deserve an eternal reward."

The Amice

The amice is a rectangular piece of cloth with an embroidered cross that is wrapped round the neck, shoulders and breast. It is representative of the garment of the fool that the Roman soldiers placed over our Lords head as they blindfolded, mocked and struck Him. Formerly used as a head covering to protect monks and clergy from the elements, it represents the helmet of salvation. The amice must be of linen or of a hempen material, not wool. The priest kisses the small cross and touches it to the top of his head before placing it over his neck and shoulders.

Vesting Prayer - "Place, O Lord, on my head the helmet of salvation, that so I may resist the assaults of the devil."

The Stole

First adopted in the 4^th century, the stole is the long thin vestment worn around the neck and hanging down on both sides in front. Worn in the past by judges and clerics, it reminds us of the priest's apostolic authority and ability to forgive sins.

Vesting Prayer - "Restore to me, O Lord, the state of immortality which I lost through the sin of my first parents and, although unworthy to approach Thy Sacred Mysteries, may I deserve nevertheless eternal joy."

The Cincture

Tied around the waist over the alb to hold it (and sometimes the stole) in place. Made of braided linen or wool, it represents priestly chastity.

Vesting Prayer - "Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me."

The Maniple

Long ago, maniples were often worn by Roman magistrates at the start of public events. It is draped over the left forearm similar to a waiter’s napkin and pinned in place. Also called the "sudarium" or "sweat cloth" because it was originally used to wipe perspiration. It is the same width as the stole.

Vesting Prayer - "May I deserve, O Lord, to bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow in order that I may joyfully reap the reward of my labors."

COLORS

White – Sometimes replaced by gold, white symbolizes purity, innocence, rejoicing and light. White is employed during certain periods throughout Christmas and Easter seasons. Also worn on feasts of our Lord, feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, non-Martyred saints, conversion of Paul, Saints John the Apostle and Saint John the Baptist among others. Worn during certain ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and the burial of children. Also worn during the consecration of churches, altars and bishops.

Red – Red is symbolic of blood and fire and is worn during feasts of His precious blood. It is also representative of the Holy Spirit hence it is worn during the week of Pentecost. Red is also worn for feasts of Martyrs, Evangelists and Apostles.

Green – The color of nature, denoting the hope of eternal life. Worn from the 14^th of January to Septuagesima Sunday and following the first Sunday after Pentecost to the Saturday preceding Advent.

Violet – Symbolizes sorrow and penance. Violet is worn during Lent and Advent, certain Passion Masses, the blessing of ashes, ember days and other penitential occasions.

Gold – Can at times replace red, green and white for added solemnity. Gold denotes majesty and splendor.

Rose – Rose indicates joy and is sometimes worn to symbolize respite or augment the austerity only during penitential 3^rd and 4^th Sundays of Advent.

Black – Black is representative of mourning and death. It is worn on Good Friday and for Masses of the dead.