Priest's Vestments
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 The
cassock is a long, close-fitting, ankle-length robe, symbolizing the
covering of our sins. The cassock derives ultimately from the tunic that was
formerly worn underneath the toga in classical antiquity. The word cassock
probably comes from the word casaque
which means cloak; or cassaca, which means white. In older days, it was
known in Latin as vestis talaris. |
 The amice is a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments,
which is folded and worn on the head of the priest. The two long ribbons are
tied around the chest of the priest. Priests wear the amice for reasons of
tradition and to prevent damage to their other vestments due to
perspiration. Traditionally, while donning the amice, the priest prays a
short prayer asking God to clothe him with the "helmet of salvation". |
 The alb is the white garment that covers him over. Its color symbolizes
purity, not a purity of himself, but a purity gained by the cleansing blood
of Christ. When he dons the alb, he prays, "Cleanse me, O Lord, and purify
my heart that, being made white in the blood of the Lamb, I may attain
everlasting joy." |
 The cincture is the rope he uses as a belt. It is a symbol of chastity and
self-control. As he wraps it around himself, he prays, "Gird me, O Lord,
with the girdle of purity and quench in me the fire of concupiscence, that
the grace of temperance and chastity may abide in me." |
 The stole is
then placed over his shoulders. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ which we
were asked to share; the yoke is Christs ministry, and it becomes the
ministry the priest now shares. The priest crosses the stole across his
chest and then puts it inside the cincture belt. As it is donned, the
following is said, "O Lord, Who hast said, My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light, grant that I may so wear it, as to attain Thy grace. |
 The
maniple is a strip of silken cloth worn on the left arm. The vesting prayer is:
"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." Originally the maniple was a strip of linen worn over the
arm. During long services, and in the intense heat of southern countries its
use was frequently necessary to wipe the perspiration and tears of devotion
from the face and brow of the priest. It calls to mind the rope whereby Our
Lord was led, and the chains which bound His sacred hands. It is also an
emblem of the tears of penance, and the fatigue of the priestly office and
its joyful reward in Heaven. |
 The chasuble is a richly colored outer robe, a representation of the rich
and blessed covering of Christ, reminiscent of the fine robe the father put
around the undeserving prodigal son, and symbolic of the lords covering of
love. While putting it on, the priest prays, "Give me again, O Lord, the
robe of immortality which I lost by the transgression of my first parents;
and although I am unworthy to come unto Thy Holy Sacrament, grant that I may
attain everlasting felicity."
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