Course 4, Chapter 12: Christianity visible. — Of the Vestments of the Priest

1. What are the ornaments worn by the priest whilst celebrating mass V

S53 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A. They are the amid, alb, cord, maniple, stole and chasuble.

2. What is the am let?

The amictis a piece of white linen which the priest passes over his head and with it covers his shoulders. It reminds us of the moderation to be m ed in our words, and of the care we phould have to abstain from all useless conversation whilst we are in church.

3. What is the alb?

The alb is a white robe, full and reaching to the feet; it is a symbol of the purity which the priest carries to the altar and the people to the holy sacrifice.

4. ^ hat is the cord V

The cord is a cincture intended to confine the alb; it reminds us of the cords with which the Saviour was bound during his passion, and also that wre must be detached from a sensual life.

5. What is the maniple?

The maniple is an ornament which the priest wears on his left arm; it formerly was a handkerchief used to wipe the tears and perspiration from the face; it reminds both priest and people of the labor of good works, and the reward which attends them.

6. What is the stole?

The stole is an ornament which the priest passes round his neck and crosses on his breast; it is the symbol of his dignity and power, and reminds us of the respect we owe to priests.

7. What is the chasuble?

The chasuble was formerly a large mantle, round and full, with an opening in the centre through which to pass the head; it was worn by laymen as well as ecclesiastics. The former having laid it aside, the church retained it and appointed it to be worn by the priests. It signifies the charity which should animate our works and our prayers.

8. What are the ornaments of the deacon?

The ornaments of the deacon are: 1st, the stole placed over the left shoulder and fastened under his right arm, so as to leave his movements free; 2d, tl e dalmatic, of a square form, with short armlets; it was worn by the deacon as being more convenient for persons obliged to move about much, as was the case with the deacons of the primitive church.

9. What is the ornament peculiar to the sub-deacon?

The tunic; it was the ordinary dress worn by the Roman servants. In consecrating it to the use of her ministers, the church has preserved a memento of the highest antiquity.

10. Why has the church appointed particular dresses for her ministers?

1st, to inspire more respect for religion and especially for the holy sacrifice; 2d, to remind us of the dispositions with which we should assist at mass.