The retro-look in Ecclesiastical fashion: Vestments for the TLM.
What to wear with what.
With the eventual acceptance of the Extraordinary Roman Rite amongst clergy, many lay people do not know what is required as regards appropriate vestments for the priest celebrating the TLM. Especially those of us who are used to the low-Church “Lutheran” style (shown at left) many priests have favored in the celebration of the Ordinary Roman Rite: the alb and stole.
What vestments are de rigueur at the celebration of Holy Mass?
Strictly speaking, with the exception of the “maniple“ - I believe priests celebrating either form of the Roman rite should ordinarily be wearing the following vestments: the amice, alb, cincture, stole, and chasuble. So what are these things and what is their significance?
The amice: A piece of white linen which covers the priests shoulders. The traditional vesting prayer explains its meaning:
“Place O Lord, on my head the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults of the devil.” When vesting, the priest momentarily places the amice on his head, then over his shoulders.
The alb is a long, white linen tunic which covers the priest’s body. As he puts it on the priest prays:
“Purify me O lLord, from all stain and cleanse my heart, that washed in the Blood of thee Lamb, I may enjoy eternal delights.”
The cincture is the cord that girds the alb at the waist. The vesting prayer explains:
“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 remain in me.”
The maniple is a short narrow band of cloth which matches the outer vestments, and hangs from the left arm. The prayer explains:
“Let me deserve O Lord, to bear the maniple of tears and sorrow, so that one day I may come with joy to the reward of my labors.”
The stole is the long band of coordinating fabric that is worn around the neck and crosses over the breast of the priest. It is a symbol of the authority in the Church and of all vestments, the most blessed and significant. (Which may explain why modern priests simply wear a stole over an alb for Mass.) The vesting prayer describes its meaning:
“Restore to me O Lord, the state of immortality which was lost to me by my first parents, and although unworthy to approach Thy sacred mysteries, grant me nevertheless to attain eternal joy.”
The chasuble is the outer vestment worn by the celebrant at Mass. It hangs from the shoulders, in front and behind, down to the knees or lower. The vesting prayer explains:
“O Lord, Who hast said, ‘My yoke is sweet and my burden light,’ grant that I may carry it so as to obtain Thy grace.”
The chasuble, stole, maniple, and chalice veilare made as a coordinating set of vestments, normally from precious fabric and always of the same design in the seasonally appropriate liturgical color. (Note: The so-called “fiddleback” chasuble is not required, any classic Roman chasuble is appropriate for the celebration of either form of the Roman rite.)
The biretta is a three-ridged square hat worn by the priest when he enters and exits the sanctuary for Holy Mass.
I am not certain if the prayers for vesture have ceased to be obligatory in preparation for the Ordinary form of Mass, but I can almost guarantee not very many priests make a ritual out of vesting for Mass any longer. Although I am fairly certain it is required for the celebration of the Extraordinary form.
[Just a note to priests who favor the stole over alb ensemble for Mass. If you are disheartened by the casual attire of the congregation at Mass, it might be an indication you should be dressing more formally yourself - that is, vested accordingly.]
Lead photo: Ecclesiastical fashion show: Fellini’s “Roma”.
