Ecclesiastical Vestments

I

Introduction

Ecclesiastical Vestments, garments worn by ministers of religion, specifically those of the Christian churches, for their official acts.

II

Vestments in the Roman Catholic Church

The regulations governing the use of vestments by the Roman Catholic clergy are set forth in the general rubrics, precepts for the guidance of the priest in carrying out the sacred rites found principally in the missal, the prayer book for the Mass. In general, Roman Catholic ecclesiastical vestments may be divided into three classes: Mass vestments, or those worn by the various celebrants of the Mass; episcopal vestments, or those worn by bishops and other members of the higher clergy; and general vestments.

A

Mass Vestments

The chasuble, a long, sleeveless, mantlelike garment is the principal outer vestment worn by the priest at the Mass. Draped around the priest's neck under the chasuble is a narrow embroidered band called the stole. Both the chasuble and the stole are colored, either white, red, green, violet, or rose, depending on the season of the church calendar or the feast or occasion being commemorated. The chasuble may also be decorated with various liturgical symbols or ornamental designs. The stole is frequently decorated with one cross at each end. The alb, a close-fitting garment of white linen, is worn under the stole and the chasuble. It reaches to the feet and is confined about the waist by a linen sash, or cincture. The outer vestment worn by the deacon is called a dalmatic; it is a close-fitting garment of the same material and color as the chasuble worn by the celebrant.

During the 1970s, it became customary in many places for the priest to substitute a chasuble-alb for the garments described above. This one-piece vestment of varying design is basically a long white tunic worn without a cincture. Over it is worn a colored stole, which is changed to indicate the feast or season.

---

---

B

Episcopal Vestments

The full vestments of a bishop when at the altar include, over a long purple or black cassock, the alb, cincture, stole, and chasuble; the dalmatic may also be worn. On his head he wears the miter, a high, tongue-shaped cap, terminating in a two-fold point. In his hand he carries the pastoral staff, or crozier. Resembling a shepherd's crook, the crozier is presented to the bishop at his consecration as a symbol of the authority he is to exercise over his flock. Around the bishop's neck is worn the pallium, a circular band of white wool, generally richly embroidered and marked with several crosses.

Among less formal episcopal vestments, the rochet is a close-fitting vestment of linen, somewhat like a shorter alb or surplice with tight sleeves. It may be worn only by bishops and abbots, although it is sometimes worn by canons as a special privilege. The mozzetta is a short cape covering the shoulders, a part of the state dress of the bishop when not officiating; it is worn over the rochet. The mantelletta, a knee-length sleeveless garment of silk or wool, is worn to cover the rochet by cardinals, bishops, and other prelates. The cappa magna is the full-length overgarment prescribed for episcopal use; it has a train and an attached shoulder cape.

	More from Encarta
	•  Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be discontinued. Learn more. •  Presidential Myths Quiz •  Coffee break: Recharge your brain