PRECEDENCE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

A. Pope
 The Pope, also known as the supreme pontiff, is the Bishop and ex officio leader of the
worldwide Catholic Church. Since 1929, the Pope has also been the head of state of Vatican
City, a city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. The current pope is Francis, who was elected on
the 13th of March 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI.
 The title, since about the 9th century, of the bishop of Rome, the head of the Roman Catholic
Church. The Annuario Pontificio, the official directory of the Holy See, describes the office of
the pope by the following titles: Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince
of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of
Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Rome, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City,
Servant of the Servants of God. The title pope or papa (abbreviated PP.) is officially used only
as a less solemn style.

B. Cardinals

 The principal color of a Cardinal’s vestments is scarlet, symbolizing the blood that a cardinal is
willing to shed for his faith. Scarlet was installed as the color for cardinals by Pope Gregory X
at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274. The vestments of a cardinal have evolved over the
decades and the current standards were set in 1969 under Pope Paul VI.

 Immediately below the Pope in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church are the cardinals. The
primary responsibility of a cardinal is to elect a new pope when a pope dies or abdicates the
papacy. However, cardinals don’t just hang out doing nothing until the Pope dies; they have
many responsibilities.

 Cardinals form the Roman Curia, which is a whole group of administrators (Cardinal Prefects)
— something like cabinet members who assist the president or department ministers who
 assist the prime minister. For example, a Cardinal Secretary of State represents the Vatican to
foreign governments. Other cardinals have different areas of responsibility, called
congregations. One cardinal oversees all the bishops around the world, another congregation
is Catholic education, another deals with evangelization, and so on. The cardinals in the Curia
serve as the Pope’s right-hand men, so to speak. A different cardinal also heads up each of
several commissions and councils, as well as three high courts of the Catholic Church: the
Apostolic Penitentiary, the Apostolic Signatura, and the Roman Rota, all of which deal with
canon law and its application and interpretation.

C. Archbishop

 Is a bishop who governs a diocese strictly his own, while he presides at the same time over the
bishops of a well-defined district composed of simple dioceses but not of provinces. The
archbishop’s own diocese is the archdiocese, the several dioceses of the district form the
archiepiscopal, or metropolitan, province.

 An archbishop, in some cases called a metropolitan, is a bishop who governs his own
archdiocese, and also supervises all the other bishops in his archiepiscopal province. The
major city of the region is typically part of the archdiocese. In some countries, the senior
archbishop is considered the spiritual leader of the country. Some archbishops are elected,
others are appointed by the pope, depending on the country and the religion. A few archbishop
positions are more honorary in nature, as they no longer have a diocese to administer.

 According to CatholicCulture.org, bishops and archbishops are the successors of the apostles,
and their basic duty is to guide the flock of Christ and maintain the unity of Christians. By the
same token, archbishops are the primary ministers of the sacred liturgy and principal
dispensers of the sacraments. Archbishops often participate in confirmations in parish
churches, as well as performing the ordinations of deacons and priests. In the United States,
the archbishop is responsible for appointing an administrator of a vacant diocese when a bishop
leaves office.

D. Bishop

 Is an ordained, consecrated, or appointed member of the Christian clergy who is generally

entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. in some Christian churches, the chief pastor
and overseer of a diocese, an area containing several congregations.

Difference between an Archbishop and a Bishop:

In the Catholic Church, archbishops and bishops rank below cardinals. Becoming a bishop is the third and
fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The first level is the ordination of a deacon, the second is the
ordination of a priest, and the third is the ordination of a bishop. A bishop who moves to the level of cardinal
isn’t ordained, but handpicked by the pope, who also appoints bishops.

A bishop oversees a diocese, which is a collection of local parishes; and an archbishop administers an
archdiocese, which is just a really large diocese.

Each bishop must make a visit to the Holy Father every five years and give a report on his particular diocese.
The bishops within an entire country or nation get together at least once a year in a gathering known as
an episcopal conference.

The rest of the time, the bishop goes around the diocese performing the sacraments of Confirmation and
Holy Orders. (Only bishops have the authority to administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders whereby men
are ordained deacons, priests, or bishops.) Bishops make visits to the parishes and chair numerous
meetings with their staff.

Each individual bishop has his own authority to run the diocese. He’s not an ambassador of the pope but
governs the local diocese as an authentic successor of the apostles, just as the pope governs the universal
Church as the successor of St. Peter.

The Role of Catholic Bishops and Archbishops. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2019, from
https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-role-of-catholic-bishops-and-archbishops/

E. Priest
 In the Catholic Church, a parish priest (also known as a pastor) is a priest appointed by the
bishop to represent him to the local parish, which is a collection of neighborhoods in one small
region of a county within a given state. A given city may support a number of parishes,
depending on the Catholic population.
 The pastor is helped by a parochial vicar (formerly known as a curate or an assistant pastor)
and/or a permanent deacon, religious sister, or lay parishioners — all known as pastoral
associates. The parish council and finance committee, which are made up of lay parishioners
for the most part, advice and counsel the pastor but don’t have administrative or executive
authority.

Types:

 Catholic priests are either diocesan priests who belong to the diocese they’re located in
or religious order priests, whose affiliation is with a particular religious order. The typical parish
priest is usually a diocesan priest. He makes a promise of obedience to the local bishop and a
promise of celibacy.
 Diocesan Priest – a diocesan priest gets a modest monthly salary from the parish. In
addition, the parish or diocese normally provides room and board (meals and lodging)
and health insurance, but only a few dioceses also provide car insurance. Diocesan
priests live in parishes alone or with another priest, but basically have their own living
quarters inside the rectory — the house where the parish priests live. They do their
own work and usually just share one meal together.
 Religious/Regular Priest - Religious priests are known as order priests after the
religious order they belong to, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits,
Benedictines, and Augustinians.
They wear particular habits (religious garb) and take vows of poverty, chastity, and
obedience. They don’t own their own cars or have personal possessions. They may
use a community vehicle that everyone in the order shares along with the community
television, stereo, computer, and so on. They own the clothes on their back and little
else. They normally live together with three or more members of the community in the
same house, which encourages them to recreate together, because they must also live
together, pray together, and work together.

Difference Between Monsignor and Priests:

The word "monsignor" comes from the Italian word for "my lord." The Roman Catholic Church uses
"monsignor" as a title for certain respected, senior priests. Clergy are not ordained "monsignor." Rather, it
is an honorific that is granted by the Pope to a small percentage of priests who have given valuable service
to the church.
The Role of Priests in the Catholic Church. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2019, from
https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-role-of-priests-in-the-catholic-church/

Peterson, S. (2017, September 28). What Is the Difference Between a Catholic Monsignor & a Priest?
Retrieved March 2, 2019, from https://classroom.synonym.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-catholic-
monsignor-a-priest-12084860.html

Pastoral Associates:

Nuns - A nun is a member of a particular religious community of women. She is also commonly known as
sister. Nuns live a life that is totally devoted to the service of people, ultimately meaning service to God.

F. Deacons
Types:
 Permanent deacons are men ordained to an office in the Catholic Church who normally have
no intention or desire of becoming priests. He can be single or married. If the latter, he must
be married before being ordained a deacon. If his wife dies before him, he may be ordained a
priest if the bishop permits and approves.
 Transitional deacons are seminarians, students in the last phase of training for the Catholic
priesthood. After being a deacon for a year, they’re ordained a priest by the bishop.
 Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass,
distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily (which is the sermon given after the Gospel at
Mass), and are obligated to pray the Divine Office (Breviary) each day. (The Divine Office,
Breviary, or Liturgy of the Hours are all the same thing. These are the 150 Psalms and
Scriptural readings from the Old and New Testament that every deacon, priest, and bishop
must pray every day and a few times during each day.) This way, in addition to the biblical
readings at daily Mass, the cleric is also exposed to more Sacred Scripture each day of his life.
 Deacons, priests, and bishops are considered clerics, members of the clergy, in the Catholic
Church.

The Role of Deacons in the Catholic Church. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2019, from
https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-role-of-deacons-in-the-catholic-church/

G. Laity
- Laity" are all the baptized (except for those in Holy Orders or in the religious state). By Baptism,
they are incorporated into the People of God, share in Christ's office, and have their own part to
play in the Church's mission, especially by directing temporal affairs according to God's will. They
must bring God's enlightenment and order to society. Their initiative is absolutely required so that
the demands of the Gospel permeate temporal realities. The laity are on the front lines and must
have a clear consciousness of actually being the Church (Pope Pius XII).
- Examples are Lay Ministers and Altar Servers

Right to Preach the Gospel:

Because of Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty (individually or grouped in associations)
to preach the Gospel to all. Their activity in ecclesial communities is so important that pastors cannot be
fully effective without them.
 Witness of Life and Word:

Christ establishes both hierarchy and laity as witnesses. "To teach in order to lead others to faith is the task
of every preacher and of each believer" (St. Thomas Aquinas).

The layperson must proclaim Christ by word and example. This witnessing has a special power in the
ordinary circumstances of the world. Laypersons must seek opportunities to announce Christ to believers
and non-believers.

VESTMENTS

Liturgical Vestments guidelines according to GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal):

In the matter of vestments, the 2002 GIRM states,

343. In addition to the traditional materials, natural fabrics proper to each region may be used for making
sacred vestments; artificial fabrics that are in keeping with the dignity of the sacred action and the person
wearing them may also be used. The Conference of Bishops will be the judge in this matter.

344. It is fitting that the beauty and nobility of each vestment derive not from abundance of overly lavish
ornamentation, but rather from the material that is used and from the design. Ornamentation on
vestments should, moreover, consist of figures, that is, of images or symbols, that evoke sacred use,
avoiding thereby anything unbecoming.

Papal Vestments:

 Papal Tiara – also called the Triregnum, it has not been worn by Popes since Pope Paul VI’s
coronation. Popes John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis have declined a coronation,
preferring a ceremony of inauguration. The Papal Tiara, however, remains the symbol of the
Papacy, as seen in the papal coat of arms and on the state flag of Vatican City.
 White Zucchetto or Calotte – a closely fitting skullcap, saucer-shaped, in color white, red, violet or
black, suitable to the rank of the wearer. The Pope can use any color of the zucchetto, but the color
white has been preferred for Pontiffs, due to the white cassocks they usually wear. It is always worn
under the mitre or the biretta, but can be worn without them.
 Camauro – the camauro is the crimson velvet cap trimmed with white ermine, worn by the Pope,
instead of the biretta, on non-liturgical occasions. The camauro, like the biretta, evolved from the
academic cap of the Middle Ages. Unlike the biretta, however, it did not evolve much. The camauro
in its present form was established by the twelfth century.
 Mitre – a tall folding cap consisting of two similar parts (the front and back) rising to a peak and
sewn together at the sides. The color is always white, but rich adornment is permitted. It is also
worn over the zuchetto. Despite the liturgical significance of this head cap as an emblem of
episcopal rank, the common usage was abolished by Pope Paul VI. Currently, only the archdiocese
and diocese arms are permitted to use the mitre. However, in a break with tradition, Pope Benedict
XVI used it in his coat of arms instead of the Triregnum—a feature that Pope Francis retained in
his own
 Miters don't follow the liturgical color. It is either gold, white or with semi-precious jewels. coat
of arms.
 Cappello Romano – the wide-brimmed pontifical hat with a derby-like brim worn by Popes prior to
1969. The cappello was abolished as part of the creation of cardinals by Pope Paul VI but is still
used in heraldry.
 Cloth – only the Pope may make use of velvet in his ecclesiastical vesture. The Pope and cardinals
could wear a specially processed silk known as moire, while all ranks of the clergy can use a silk-
like fabric called faille. Pope Francis has stopped using wool and only uses linen, a break from
tradition.
 Douillette – the douillette (or greca or cappotto) is a long, loose-fitting, double-breasted cloak worn
over the cassock or simar by all clerics. It is white for the Pope, black for all other clerics. The
douillette came into the Roman Church through France. It was originally employed in the East,
where it was known as the greca.
 Roman Collar and Rabat – at present, the collar is usually made of white plastic acetate or starched
linen. It is three inches wide collar unto the rabat for use under the cassock or the simar. The rabbi
is the section of cloth that stiffens at the top and that is molded to rest fit round the neck. The Pope
uses a white rabbi, which can either be silk broadcloth.
 Simar - escribed as a cassock with a shoulder cape, but technically not a cassock at all. It has an
elbow-length shoulder cape which does not meet in the front, thus exposing the buttons from the
collar to the toes. The simar is always in color black, which is lined, piped, and trimmed in the color
of the rank of the prelate. The same goes with the winter simar, which is in white, which gave it the
appearance of ecru or light beige against the pure white silk sash. Pope Francis had his simar
made in linen. All trim, buttons, and piping are raw watered silk (moire), as are the cuffs on the
sleeves. The fascia of the Pope is of white moire silk and always includes the papal coat of arms.
 Pallium - A woven narrow band decorated with six black crosses, reserved to the Pope, and to
archbishops with Vatican approval. The cloak symbolizes the Pope’s universal authority. Pope
Francis restored the use of the old pallium with black crosses. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI
and a dozen popes before him, had their pallium with six red crosses.
 Pectoral Cross – typically made of gold and adorned with precious gems and jewels; the pectoral
cross symbolizes papal prestige and power. Pope Francis’ pectoral cross breaks tradition, as it is
in silver and without a single precious stone; it depicts a simply dressed and barefoot shepherd
Jesus, symbolizing the Pontiff’s desire to become the shepherd of the poor.
 Papal Cape – the red papal cape, which is meant to signify the dual identity of the Pope as “a royal
Priest and Imperial Bishop.” Pope Francis was offered the red cape trimmed with ermine minutes
after he was elected, but refused to wear it.
 Alb – a long white linen liturgical vestment with thin sleeves used only during Holy Mass. It
symbolizes purity and innocence of the soul.
 Stole – a strip of material two to four inches wide and eighty inches long, used not only by the Pope
in liturgy but by the clergy as well. It is worn around the neck with the ends hanging down at the
front. The Pope kisses the stole before putting it on.
 Chasuble - Otherwise known as the “casula.” This is derived from a poncho-like cloak or protective
garb of a farmer or a worker in 300 BCE. It was only in the 3rd century that the chasuble was
identified as a sacred vestment reserved for priests and bishops. The present-day casula is ample
in cut and long at the sleeves, and is mostly made of silk, with gold threads all throughout. The
pallium is worn over the chasuble when celebrating Mass.
 Cassock – a Roman cassock is a one-piece bell-shaped garb fronted by buttons from the collar to
the toes. It is a full-cut, loose-fitting garment with purple, amaranth-red, or scarlet buttons, piping
and trim for various ranks of the prelature. Traditionally, this is closed with a series of buttons,
specifically 33 buttons symbolizing the 33 earthly days of Jesus Christ. The French-cut cassock is
more formal than the Roman cassock. It makes use of three inverted pleats, one at the center rear
and one each on the hips. At the top of each pleat is an embroidered inverted triangle or dart. It is
more tapered and its bottom is less bell-shaped and more tubular. This type places additional five
buttons symbolizing the five wounds of Jesus Christ. The cuffs are approximately 6 inches in length,
with a space between the cuff and the sleeve. In terms of color, the buttons, trim, and inside hem
are purple for the Pope and amaranth red for other members of the prelate.
  Fascia – commonly known as the sash or the cincture. At present, there are five colors for the
fascia: white (watered silk for the pontiff, cloth for religious habits), scarlet (watered silk for
cardinals), violet (silk for patriarchs, primates and archbishops, and prelates of honor), purple
(chaplains of the Pope), and black for priest and seminarians. The Pontiff and the cardinals make
use of a sash wider than that of all the other prelates and priests. It is acceptable for their sash to
be as wide as 10 inches, but an eight-inch sash is most common.
 The Fisherman’s Ring – the papal ring, depicts the image of St. Peter casting his fishnet into the
sea. Each Pope has had his own unique ring, which is destroyed in the presence of the Sacred
College at the Pope’s death. Only Pope Francis wears a silver ring with a recycled design made by
Italian sculptor Enrico Manfrini for Pope Paul VI.
 Papal Ferula – the papal pastoral staff. It is the senior ecclesiastical insignia that symbolizes the
pastoral authority of bishops. The Pope need not carry a crosier all the time, but he carries one with
varying designs of the image of Christ on certain occasions.
 Mozzeta – the short cape that completely encircles the prelate. This cape is elbow-length, with a
cassock style upright collar. It is closed in front by a row of twelve silk-covered buttons.
 Papal shoes – shoes are worn by the Pope outdoors. Previous Popes wore red shoes. Initially,
Pope John Paul II wore them red, but later on switched to ordinary brown ones. Pope Francis broke
tradition again, preferring to wear black shoes.


Briefer: Papal vesture and insignia | GOVPH. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2019, from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/papal-vesture-and-
insignia/?fbclid=IwAR00jINS21aaAlQiBLulF27wIEyQP0Oh_OjHjtBMMQA3ZzYZUm7bkd8wY6g

Cardinal Vestments:

 Biretta – a square, ridged cap worn over the zucchetto. The color of the biretta indicates the rank
of cleric. The cardinal’s biretta is cardinalatial red.
 Scarlet Zuchetto – close-fitting, saucer shaped, skull cap.
 Mitre – when in the presence of the Pope, cardinals wear a mitre made of layered white damask
silk.
 Mozetta – a short, elbow length, cape that completely encircles the prelate. It closes in the front
with 12 silk covered buttons which represent the 12 apostles.
 Choir Dress – scarlet choir dress vestments are worn for public prayer apart from the celebration
of Mass or when attending Mass but not as a celebrant. When in choir dress, a Latinrite cardinal
wears his scarlet cassock, mozzetta, zucchetto and biretta. He also wears a rochet, which is always
white. Unlike the other vestments, which are always the same for all cardinals, the rochet can differ
in design and intricacies.
 Rochet – a garment of jurisdiction which reaches below the knee made of linen, lace or linen
embroidery.
 Cassock – full-length, form-fitting red garment. The choir cassock used for public ceremonies of
the church, is made of watered silk. 33 buttons are used to close the garment, regardless of the
height of the wearer, to symbolize the 33 years Christ spent on this Earth. Each sleeve has five
buttons, symbolizing the five wounds of Christ.
 Simar – cardinals wear a simar at non-liturgical functions. Black with scarlet piping, silk stitching
and buttons, simars are like a cassock but have an optional elbow-length shoulder cape. A simar
is worn with a scarlet sash made of silk and it may be worn with a scarlet skullcap but not with a
biretta.
 Ferraiulo – unlike other vestments, the Ferraiuolo (a full cape) is optional. It is scarlet watered silk
that is worn at solemn, non-liturgical occasions.
  Ring – to symbolize their bond with the papacy, the Pope gives each newly appointed cardinal a
gold ring. When someone kisses the ring, it is done as a sign of respect for the position of cardinal
and of the authority in the faith that comes with the position.
 Pectoral Cross – typically made of gold and adorned with precious gems and jewels; the pectoral
cross symbolizes papal prestige and power. Pope Francis’ pectoral cross breaks tradition, as it is
in silver and without a single precious stone; it depicts a simply dressed and barefoot shepherd
Jesus, symbolizing the Pontiff’s desire to become the shepherd of the poor.

Vestments and Symbols of the Office of the Cardinal | Thomas Cardinal Collins. (2012, February 12).
Retrieved March 2, 2019, from catholicregister.org

Archbishop and Bishop’s Vestments:

Difference between an Archbishop and Bishops vestments

The clothing of archbishops and bishops is exactly the same, except that archbishops get to wear a pallium
when celebrating Mass. Other obvious difference would be in their episcopal coat of arms. A bishop would
have 6 fiocchi on each side and archbishop will have 10 fiocchi (tassels).

 Mitre – is perhaps the most distinctive symbol of the bishop. Although there is some dispute about
how longstanding the tradition is (some claim it is from the time of the apostles) there is no question
that mitre have been worn by bishops for at least 1,000 years. Mitres are usually white, gold or red,
sometimes quite beautifully embroidered, and have two tails, called “lappets”, that fall from the
back. The shape of the mitre represents the tongues of fire that rested on the heads of the disciples
gathered in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit to the Church.
A bishop receives a mitre during his or her ordination as a bishop, when the Holy Spirit comes to
the new bishop in the same way that the Holy Spirit came to the first disciples. You will notice that,
during church services, bishops take their mitres on and off, depending on what is happening in
the liturgy. For instance, the bishop always 1 / 5 The Bishop's Vestments removes the mitre when
offering prayer to God.
 Cope – shaped like an outdoor overcoat worn during ancient Roman times, is a cape or cloak that
is semicircular, richly ornamented, with a clasp in front and a hood in back. It is worn over the alb
and stole. The bishop usually wears a cope at non-Eucharistic liturgies in place of the chasuble.
He or she may wear a cope at the Eucharist during the entrance procession and even during the
liturgy of the word. Bishops sometimes wear it when performing Episcopal functions such as
ordinations and confirmations.
 Alb – a long, white robe, probably dating from 4th century Greco-Roman times.
 Chasuble – with an opening at the head, is an outermost vestment in an oval or oblong shape worn
during the celebration of the Eucharist.
 Stole – worn by bishops, priests and deacons when officiating at the Eucharist or other sacramental
functions. The stole is of the liturgical color of the day and matches the material of the other
vestments and may be decorated with different liturgical symbols. There are several theories
regarding the origin of the stole’s use including a kind of liturgical napkin called an “orarium”, which
is linked to the napkin used by Christ in washing the feet of his disciples, and is a fitting symbol of
the yoke of Christ, the yoke of service. Others theorize that its origin is from the scarf of office
among officials in the Roman Empire, used to denote rank.
 Dalmatic – worn under the chasuble, but since 1960 these vestments have not been obligatory for
bishops.
 Cassock – derives historically from the tunic that was worn underneath the toga in classical
antiquity. Bishops in the Episcopal church traditionally wear a purple cassock. The cassock is worn
 on non- Eucharistic occasions or when the bishop is visiting other dioceses. The cassock may be
worn underneath a rochet, chemire and tippet. This is known as “choir dress”.
 Rochet – a vestment of white linen or similar material that is generally used only by bishops. It has
long sleeves that often end in ruffles. It usually is worn over a cassock.
 Pectoral Cross – usually made of silver or gold, was used by the pope in the 13th century and came
into general use by bishops in the 16th century. As the name implies, it is usually suspended at or
near the pectoral muscles or breastbone, hung on a chain from the neck of the bishop.
 Episcopal rings – as a sign of the office. The ring is a symbol of the bishop's faithfulness to God
and the Church. Bishop Mayer’s ring has the seal of the Diocese of North West Texas inscribed on
its face. The ring can be used as an official seal on documents that call for the bishop to affix a seal
in sealing wax.
 Crozier – a staff with a curved or hooked top similar in appearance to a traditional shepherd’s staff.
It is an object that is not only symbolic of the bishop’s role as shepherd or pastor, but also symbolic
of the governing office of the bishop.
 Sandals – the episcopal sandals are in the form of low shoes, and resemble slippers. The sole is
of leather; the upper part, generally ornamented with embroidery is made at the present day of silk
or velvet. No cross is required upon the sandals; at Rome this is an exclusively papal privilege.
 Caligae – stockings, which are of silk, are either knitted or are made by sewing together pieces of
silk fabric that have been cut a suitable shape; they are worn over the ordinary stockings. The
privilege of wearing the sandals and caligæ belongs only to bishops.

Bishop:

 Mantelletta – the mantelletta, while formerly worn by all bishops and some of the monsignori, is
now only used by the seven protonotaries apostolic de numero. It is a short, violet mantle with slits
for the arms, worn over the rochet and choir cassock.

Priest Vestments:

 Amice – this is a rectangular piece of cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top corners. The
priest puts it over his shoulders, tucking it in around the neck to hide his cassock and collar. It is
worn whenever the alb does not completely cover the ordinary clothing at the neck (GI 297). It is
then tied around the waist. It symbolizes a helmet of salvation and a sign of resistance against
temptation.
 Alb – this long, white, vestment reaching to the ankles and is worn when celebrating Mass. Its name
comes from the Latin ‘albus’ meaning ‘white.’ This garment symbolizes purity of heart.
 Cincture – this is a long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. It is worn over the alb by
the priest at Mass. It is a symbol of chastity. It is usually white in color.
 Priest’s Stole – a stole is a long cloth, often ornately decorated, of the same color and style as the
chasuble. A stole traditionally stands for the power of the priesthood and symbolizes obedience.
The priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down the front. A deacon wears it over his right
shoulder and fastened at his left side like a sash.
 Chasuble – the chasuble is the sleeveless outer vestment, slipped over the head, hanging down
from the shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper Mass vestment of the priest and
its color varies according to the feast. It is worn as a mantle over his shoulders symbolizing the
yoke of Christ and signifies charity.
 Humeral Veil - It consists of a piece of cloth about 2.75 m long and 90 cm wide draped over the
shoulders and down the front, normally of silk or cloth of gold.
Deacon Vestments:

 Dalmatic – the dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves. It is worn in place
of the chasuble by the deacon and takes its color from the liturgical feast.
 used for Mass, Communion services, and weddings
 Cope – shaped like an outdoor overcoat worn during ancient Roman times, is a cape or cloak that
is semicircular, richly ornamented, with a clasp in front and a hood in back. It is worn over the alb
and stole. The bishop usually wears a cope at non-Eucharistic liturgies in place of the chasuble.
 for baptisms, funerals, benediction, or solemn blessings
 Surplice – the surplice is in the form of a tunic of white linen or cotton fabric, reaching to the knees,
with wide or moderately wide sleeves.
 only when presiding over public celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours
 Alb – this long, white, vestment reaching to the ankles and is worn when celebrating Mass. Its name
comes from the Latin ‘albus’ meaning ‘white.’ This garment symbolizes purity of heart.
 Deacon’s Stole – Unlike priest’s stoles, stoles for deacons are designed to be worn over the left
shoulder and fastened at the waist on the right.
 Humeral Veil - It consists of a piece of cloth about 2.75 m long and 90 cm wide draped over the
shoulders and down the front, normally of silk or cloth of gold.

Common Nun Habit:

Headdress:
 Stiff Coif: It is a cap-like covering for the head made from cotton, or also from starched linen. It is
all white, and is tied around the head with the help of a bandeau (a plain headband that is attached
to the coif). A bandeau was a piece of traditional wear of the women during Medieval times in
Europe. It is like a tight cap worn on the head.
 Wimple: It is a part of the traditional habit that encircles the neck, covering the chin. Originally in
early medieval Europe, it was a white cloth folded in a specific manner tied around the neck and
head, so as to hide the hair of married woman.
 Guimpe: This is worn as a clothing that mainly lies on the shoulders. It is also white just like the
coif. It covers the lower part of the neck, shoulders, and sometimes, extends over the chest. It is
usually worn along with a coif and wimple.
 Black Veil: It is a black garment covering the head. It, sometimes, also has a white lining on the
inner side. The veil goes on top of the white coif and over all other elements of the headgear. Nuns
from certain religious communities did use the veil to completely cover their face, thus leaving only
their hands to be visible.

Main Clothing:
 Habit or Tunic: This forms the main part of the religious attire of the nuns. It drapes over the central
part of the body starting from the neck, and resembles a loose cloak. It is a garment with pleats
from the upper-narrow portion around the waist flowing down till the ground. The serge fabric is
used to make this tunic.
 Scapular: It resembles a long piece of cloth that rests on the shoulders and suspends down over
the back and front. It reaches down up to the knees. It can be black, or sometimes brown,
depending upon the religious organization.
 Sleeves: The habit consists of 2 pairs of sleeves out of which one pair is larger than the other. The
larger pair can be folded up while working or folded down while performing religious rituals.
 Accessories:
 Rosary: It is a beaded string used for counting purpose during prayers. The beads are usually
made of wood. When not in use, the rosary is hooked to the belt on the habit.
 Cross: A silver cross hangs from a simple black string or cord worn around the neck.

Altar Servers:

 Black cassock and white surplice worn by altar servers.