24. Priest Vestments

The first vestment the priest puts on is his alb and amice, which is the white base layer that goes over his normal clothing. Not every priest wears an amice, including me, because some albs are created differently. The Latin word albus means “white” and the alb has its origins in the Roman tunic and has been used in the liturgy since around the 4th century. It reminds the priest of the white garment given to him at his baptism, representing the purity of the soul post-baptism. The amice is a small white garment that goes around the neck area, similar to how a soldier wears chainmail as a base layer of his armor.

 

Around his waist the priest wears a cincture, which is a rope that acts as something of a belt, also dating back to the early centuries of the Church. It comes from the Latin word cingere, which means “to gird” or “to bind around”. It represents chastity and self-mastery. You might not notice the cincture because it is often hidden by the outer vestments.

 

Next is the stole, which is the slim garment worn around the neck. Again in the Roman Empire, officials wore long, scarflike garments. Catholic clergy started wearing them during liturgy as signs of ordination. Today it represents the authority and responsibility of the priesthood, an image of the yoke of Christ. Because it represents the authority of the priesthood, priests usually kiss the stole before and after they put it on.

 

An optional vestment is the maniple, which was required to use prior to 1967. Originally practical in purpose, it was used to wipe sweat from the brow of the priest. Over time, it developed to take on the symbolic meaning of the toil and suffering of ministry, and the tears of penance. It’s still an optional vestment, but it’s hardly ever worn outside of the Traditional Latin Mass.

 

Finally, over the top of everything is the chasuble, which is the big cloaklike vestment the priest (and bishop) wears. The Latin word casula means “little house”, which provides an image of the priest putting a little tent over himself, wrapped in the charity of Christ as he prepares for Mass.

 

As always, each vestment carries its own significance and meaning. Understanding the meaning helps us to enter into the liturgy in a deeper way. The priest acts in the person of Christ and the vestments help to reveal the different aspects of Christ’s role in our lives.