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Vestments Before a priest celebrates Mass, he puts on his vestments. 28 What are these robes and sashes, and what do they mean? The first thing the priest puts on is the alb. This is a long white garment that goes all the way to the feet. The word alb comes from the Latin alba, which means white. It is reminiscent of a baptismal garment, reminding the priest that, at the core of it all, he is a Christian. A cincture is a braided cord used as a belt around the alb. It symbolizes chastity. The priest then puts on his stole, a long cloth scarf that marks the Office of the priest or deacon. A priest wears his stole around the neck so that both ends hang down the front. The stole symbolizes the priest’s sacramental power and authority as he represents Christ. It is the Savior’s “yoke” that Jesus mentions in Matthew 11:29-30. The outermost vestment of the priest is called a chasuble (CHAZuh buhl). This can be a different color according to the liturgical season or feast. The chasuble is similar to a tent-like poncho worn by shepherds in ancient times. Thus it symbolizes the priest “putting on Christ,” our leader and Good Shepherd. For further study: Revelation 3:4-5 • Revelation 19:8 • Matthew 11:29-30 Boston Catholic Website: http://bit.ly/1dy1BI5 Notes


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