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Prayers for all Occasions, Needs, and Intentions
HOLY MASS - A SACRIFICE OR CELEBRATION
The Catholic Mass
The following provides a visual and pictorial description of each part of dress the Priest wears. The prayers, called the Vesting Prayers, are recited with each part of dress. The Colors, called the ecclesiastical colors, speak a language of their own.
THE VESTMENTS NEEDED FOR MASS
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The Amice: A white linen cloth which covers the neck and shoulders. It symbolizes the helmet of salvation, i.e., trust in Jesus Christ. |
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The Alb: A long white linen garment reaching to the feet. The Alb symbolizes the innocence and purity that should adorn the soul of the priest who ascends the altar.
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The Cincture: A white cord, with which the Alb is bound round the waist, is the emblem of purity.
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The Maniple: Worn over the left forearm. Originally a handkerchief carried in the left hand or thrown over the left arm. It symbolizes the labor and hardship the priest must expect in his ardent apostolate. |
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The Stole: Hangs round the neck and is crossed over the breast. It symbolizes the spiritual powers and dignity of the priest.
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The Chasuble: The outer garment put on over the others. The Chasuble symbolizes the virtue of charity, and the yoke of unselfish service for the Lord, which the priest assumes at ordination. |
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The Dalmatic: An outer, sleeved tunic that came to Rome from Dalmatia, whence its name. It is worn in place of the Chasuble, by the deacon and subdeacon during Solemn Mass. It symbolizes the joy and happiness that are the fruit of dedication to God. |
THE VESTING PRAYERS
When the Priest puts on the Amice
Place, O Lord, on my head the helmet of salvation, so that I may resist the assaults of the devil.
When the Priest puts on the Alb
Purify me, O Lord, and cleanse my heart, that, purified in the blood of the Lamb, I may deserve everlasting joys.
When the Priest puts on the Cincture
Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity and suppress in my members every inordinate desire, that the virtues of continence and chastity may ever abide with me.
When the Priest puts on the Maniple
Grant me, O Lord, to bear faithfully the maniple of weeping and sorrow in order that I may joyfully reap the reward of my labors.
When the Priest puts on the Stole
Restore to me, O Lord, the stole of immortality which I lost through the sin of my first parents: and, although I am unworthy to approach your sacred mysteries, may I be found deserving of everlasting joy.
When the Priest puts on the Chasuble
O Lord, who said: "My yoke is sweet and my burden is light"; grant that I may so carry it as to win your favor and grace.
The Dalmatic, worn in place of the Chasuble by the deacon and sub-deacon during Solemn Mass.
No prayer is associated with this item of dress, but most Priests state the prayer associated with the Chasuble is acceptable.
THE VESTMENT COLORS
The ecclesiastical colors speak a language of their own; a language of faith and love, as does the whole Liturgy.
White:
The symbol of innocence and triumph. It signifies the joy and purity of the soul. The white vestment is the peaceable garment used on all the feasts of the joyful and glorious mysteries of our Lord's life (e.g. Christmas and Easter), on the feasts of our Blessed Mother, on the feasts of angels and of all saints who were not martyrs. It is also worn from Christmas to the Epiphany, and during Eastertide.
Red:
The color of blood, is used on all feasts of our Lord's Cross and Passion, on the feasts of the Apostles and of all martyrs. Red is also used on Pentecost and in Masses of the Holy Spirit, in memory of the tongues of fire of the First Pentecost. Red also signifies the fire of love towards God.
Green:
The color of budding and living vegetation, of hope. It is used on the Sundays after Epiphany and after Pentecost.
Purple:
The color of humility and penance is worn in times of repentance. It is used during the penitential seasons of Advent, Septuagesima and Lent, and on fast days and vigils.
Black:
The contrast to the cheerful and pure white, is the expression of death and mourning. Black is used on Good Friday, when the Church mourns the death of her Founder, Jesus Christ, on All Souls' Day, at funeral services and during Masses for the Dead.