The Vestments of Mass

"They stripped him and put on him a scarlet cloak." St. Matthew, 27:28.

Bishop Walsh of the Charleston, South Carolina, diocese related this bit of religious history. At the time of the Civil War a Catholic family owned and operated a large plantation in South Carolina. The negro slaves were also Catholics. The war compelled these Catholic owners to give up their estate and leave their slaves behind. Thirty-five years later, in the year 1900, a missionary came to that region. The new owners of the planta­tion told him that many of the colored people claimed to be Catholics, but nothing had been done for them in decades.

The priest investigated, to find a most pathetic and edifying situation. During those thirty-five years, when they were without a church and with­out a priest and without Mass, those negroes and their entire families would gather every Sunday morning around an opened trunk which contained the vestments and chalice used by the last priest who had been there. Around those vestments they carried out their Catholic devotions as best they could. Moreover, everyone of those negroes knew his catechism per­fectly.

What an inspiring page in the history of the Catholic Church in our country. Picture those poor people during those three and a half priestless decades recalling and reliving the thrill and joy of Holy Mass by merely looking at the vestments. That shows the true spirit with which we should consider the garments worn by God's representative at the altar. They are rich in history and rich in meaning.

1. By God's command the Jewish priests of the Old Law wore a distinctive garb when they ministered in the temple. The Old Testament tells us that their spiritual leaders were vested in violet and purple, scarlet twice dyed and fine linen. Gold and precious stones were also used to give the person of the priest the dignity demanded by his exalted position.

2. No special dress was prescribed for the priests of the New Law. In the early days of Christianity the garments worn at the Holy Sacrifice were the same as those worn by civilians in daily life. They were set apart, however, from ordinary apparel by their richness and beauty of decoration. They were used for divine worship only.

Secular fashion changed, but the Church clung to the old style. Hence it happened that the garments which were the common dress of all in apostolic times, later became the privileged dress of the clergy. Faith be­held in each vestment some reference to the passion of our Lord, and a reminder of some Christian duty or virtue. Each garment the priest wears has a history and a spiritual meaning.

3. The amice is an oblong piece of linen. Originally it was a covering for the head and neck, like a hood. It symbolizes the cloth with which the soldiers blindfolded and mocked our Lord. It is a spiritual helmet.

4. The alb is this long linen robe reaching to the ankles. In ancient times it was worn by all who enjoyed any dignity. It reminds us of the white robe which Herod put on our Lord. It shows purity of conscience.

5. Then there is the cincture or cord. At first it served the practical purpose of holding up the long white tunic when the wearer was walking or working. It reminds us of the cord that bound our Lord to the pillar, and of our readiness to do the work of the Lord.

6. The maniple is the strip of silken cloth worn on the left arm. The priest takes it off to preach - he must be unencumbered in announcing God's word. Originally it was used to wipe away perspiration. It is an emblem of the tears of repentance and the beads of perspiration experienced in the work of the priest. (* The maniple is not used in the Mass of Paul VI)

7. This stole is a band of silk worn around the neck and crossed on the breast. It was a kerchief of the upper classes, which gradually became the badge of authority among the higher clergy. It symbolizes the cords which bound our Lord and the cross He carried. It also represents the yoke of Christ's service which the priest assumes, a yoke of service which is heavy but sweet.

8. The chasuble is the outer vestment of the priest. Historically it was a large circular cloth that completely covered the body. For convenience it was gradually cut down at the sides. It represents the purple cloak that Christ wore before Pilate. It also shows that the priest must be completely covered and inspired with the love of God in his work.

9. What is the meaning of the various colors which the priest wears?

A. White represents purity, joy, innocence, and glory. It is worn on feasts of the Holy Trinity, of our Lord, our Blessed Mother, the angels, and of saints who are not martyrs, of confessors, virgins, and holy women, and dedication of churches.

B. Red is a sign of fire and blood, of love and sacrifice. We wear it on Pentecost, at Masses of the Holy Ghost, feasts of our Lord on the cross, and feasts of the Apostles and Martyrs.

C. Green is the sign of hope, of life and growth and religious reaping. We wear it on Sundays after Epiphany and after Pentecost.

D. Violet or purple shows mortification and penance. We use it during Advent and Lent, on vigils outside of Easter, on Rogation days, Ember days, and on the feast of the Holy Innocents.

E. Black represents sorrow and death. It is worn in funeral Masses and in Masses for the dead. Also on Good Friday.

F. Gold is a sign of glory. It may take the place of white, red, or green, but not of violet or black.

Volumes have been written on the history, secular and spiritual, of the vestments of Holy Mass. Their history, their meaning, their development have been rich in spiritual thought. We respect and treasure these garments worn by God's representatives.

That was the spirit in the souls of those colored workers in South Caro­lina. They realized how holy those garments had become through being used at Mass. We want to show the same appreciation and reverence for the garb of God's priest. Amen.
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Adapted from Talks on the Mass
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (© 1950)