Priestly Vestments Answer Guide
This is an answer guide for several quizzes dealing with the vestments used in Mass. The items are all used in the traditional Tridentine Mass, and most in the Novus Ordo (post-1970). Specific prayers are said as each vestment is put on. This is designed as a printable study page.

a. Amice
  • Formerly worn on the head (symbolizing a helmet protecting against Satan's assaults)
  • A priest briefly places it on his head, says a prayer and then wears it on his shoulders

    b. Alb
  • The alb is white to symbolize the purity in body and soul for which he prays
  • The priest prays for purity as he puts on the linen, usually laced, garment
  • The alb is a derivative of the Roman toga

    c. Cincture
  • Symbolizes continence (purity in thoughts and motives)
  • 'Binds' the alb and spiritually the concupiscence of the priest

    d. Maniple
  • From 'manipulum' (something carried, handkerchief, sheaf)
  • Worn on the left arm, symbolic of good works

    e. Biretta
  • Worn when the priest goes to and from the altar in the Tridentine Rite
  • Ridges on the top are for convenience in removing it
  • There is no particular meaning or symbolism, and it is not a formal 'vestment'

    f. Papal Tiara
  • Three crowns symbolizing the Pope as teacher, lawgiver and judge
  • First crown (9th century): temporal ruler of the Papal States
  • Second crown: jurisdiction over the Church as a human society
  • Third crown: supreme authority of the Pope in spiritual matters
  • Popes since Pope Paul VI have not worn the tiara
  • The Pope's insignia include the tiara and keys (authority of St. Peter)

    g. Mitre
  • A design of Oriental (Persia/Assyrian) origin; general use @ AD 1100
  • The two points symbolize the Old and New Testaments of which the bishop is teacher
  • Worn by the Pope, bishops and cardinals

    h. Crosier
  • From Latin 'crocia' ('crook or bend')
  • An ornate version of the shepherd's staff from the 5th century
  • Symbolizes the guiding and restraining authority of the bishop as shepherd of the flock of God

    i. Humeral Veil
  • From Latin 'humerus' or 'shoulder'
  • Worn by the priest when carrying/giving Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Formerly worn by the priest carrying viaticum and the subdeacon when handling sacred vessels

    j. Stole
  • Originally a small robe, but reduced in size with time
  • Worn by priests (ends down in front) and deacons (diagonally)
  • Derived from the court uniform of Roman judges denoting authority
  • Symbolizes immortality and the yoke of obedience of the ordained

    k. Chasuble
  • From the Latin 'casula' or 'little house'
  • Symbolizes protection and preservation from evil (spiritual suit of armor)
  • Matches the proper liturgical color, and often very ornamented with a cross on back

    l. Surplice
  • Originally a white garment worn 'over furs' ('superpellicium') of monks in the Middle Ages
  • The current shorter style, with lace, is of 17th century origin
  • Widely used in Mass by everyone from altar boys to priests
  • Variations: deacons (dalmatic); bishops (rochet); Tridentine subdeacons (tunicle)

    m. Cassock
  • Traditional garment (not vestment) of the priest similar to a Roman tunic
  • Black symbolizes death: the priest is 'dead to the world' after Holy Orders
  • The Pope's cassock is white, a bishop's violet and a cardinal's red

    n. Cope
  • Worn by the priest during the Asperges in the Tridentine Rite
  • Its original use was an outer garment for processions (a 'raincoat')
    Other items not shown:

    Archbishop's Pallium
  • Band of while wool worn on the shoulders, ornamented with two pendant ribbons and four purple crosses

    Bishop's Glove
  • Silk, ornamented gloves are given at his consecration.
  • Worn only in a Pontifical Mass, along with stockings and sandals (low shoes)

    Bishop's Gremiale
  • Small golden laced, ornamented apron used when seated or conferring Holy Orders

    Bishop's Ring
  • Symbolizing faith and fidelity (AD 600 - third finger of the right hand)

    Capes
  • Mozetta: worn over a bishop's cassock
  • Cappa Magna: hooded cope worn at solemn functions

    Cardinal's Hat
  • Scarlet ('red') hat with tie-strings (a scarlet biretta is also worn)

    Pectoral Cross
  • Symbol of the bishop's authority since the 12th century
  • Made of precious metal and worn on a chain (Latin pectus or 'breast')