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SPECIAL SECTION FEBRUARY 2020

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Poor Clare Colettines ...... 2 of Marmion . What ...... 4 Everyday Wear for ...... 6 Priests’ ...... 8 ’ Attire ...... 10 ’ They Attire ...... 12 ’ Attire ...... 14 — Text and photos by Amanda Hudson, news editor; design by Sharon Boehlefeld, features editor Wear Learn the names of the everyday and liturgical attire worn by bishops, monsignors, priests, deacons and religious in the Rockford . And learn what each piece of means in the lives of those who have given themselves to the service of .

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 1 In the Habit

Mother Habits Span Centuries Dominica Stein, PCC he wearing n The — of habits in humility; religious com- n The — purity; munities goes and Tback to the early 300s. n The — The Armenian manual labor. founded by For women, a Eustatius in 318 was part of the habit, were the first to originating from the have their entire rite of consecrated community virgins as a bride of alike. Belt placement Christ. Using a veil was Having “the members an adaptation of the societal practice (dress) the same,” says where married women covered their Mother Dominica Stein, hair when in public. Poor Clare Colettines, “was a Putting on the habit was an symbol of unity. The wearing of outward sign of profession in a the habit was a symbol of leaving religious . Early on, those the secular life to give oneself to joining an order were clothed in the God.” order’s habit almost immediately. Initially, the color of early But by decree of the Fourth habits was chosen because it was the Lateran Council in 1215, a formal color symbolizing death. Black was formation or probation period before chosen not in a morbid sense, but in profession of was required. the sense of dying to self and living The new member was invested totally for God. Some of those black in the of the order, Mother habits were changed to in parts Dominica says, but did not receive of the where white symbolized the monastic hood (men) or the black death. veil (women). Women were given Early habits were simple, gathered a white veil during this probation at the with some kind of belt period, again taking from the culture and made of common cloth — which the custom of having an engaged at the time was or a rough . woman wear a white veil to cover her Each part of the habit represented to head in public. the religious member the virtues for Following formation, when a which he or she was striving: person made his or her permanent n The — renunciation of the vows, he or she received and wore the world; entire habit of the order.

Quick facts about the n The Poor Clares wear a tunic and n The sisters make all the various a -like underneath to parts of the habits. protect the habit. n They wear a habit 24-7. There are four styles that are of different mate- rials and of different lengths: for , for work, for daytime use and to wear at night. A short veil, a “little, white hood” and a made out of cord are part of the night habit. n The do not have formal to pray while dressing, but they do pray as they dress and kiss each piece as they put it on. n They have worn the same of Seven-decade rosary habit for 807 years.

2 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Changes Over Time

eligious habits have Mother Dominica Stein, PCC, Something similar happened Each order was required to have changed over time, explains. with the nuns. A group of women habits unique to it. There are, often in response Francis departed from the began to dress like the Poor Clares Mother Dominica says, “a lot of to practical needs. usual black or white to an undyed, and went around outside the interesting stories” about those RFor example, St. Francis wished earthen gray-brown color, to serve the poor. varieties of habits that were to be clothed in a habit with a symbolizing and humility. “The himself made a adopted, some of which were less monastic hood — wanting to live The Franciscan hood was public statement that ‘this group practical than others. a monastic life outside the , restyled by St. Bonaventure has nothing to do with St. Clare The habits were distinguished in 1274 to distinguish the and her order,’” Mother Dominica through belts, tassels, , from a heretical says. She notes that Clare made different colors of materials, group called the Brothers of it clear that she and her sisters widths, cuffs, and , each Lyons who had begun to dress from the very beginning were to of which was specified for each like the Franciscans. The Brothers live a cloistered, contemplative order. of Lyons were genuine in their lifestyle. In recent times, following poverty and sought to serve God, Only later, third orders of Vatican II a number of religious but they did not accept Franciscan sisters with roots in St. orders modified their habits in teachings. Clare’s nuns began. They served various ways. (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) With St. Bonaventure’s the poor in society and developed Today religious communities Tau shape modifications, the hoods of the their own habits. distinguish their members with Franciscans had a distinctive Around the same time as habits that range from point on . A pointed in the Franciscans were formed, head-to-toe garments to simple- back also helped people to clearly a number of other religious but-distinctive pins that identify identify the Franciscan . communities were beginning. their religious orders. Today’s Poor Clare Colettine Habit

n the year 1212, St. Clare decade “Franciscan ” on was clothed with a habit Saturdays. It includes the Joyful Pinning veil to white hood patterned after the Fransi- Mysteries but with “Adoration can friars’ habits. What a of the Magi” as a fourth IPoor Clare wears today is mystery, the Resurrection as almost exactly the same, except the sixth, and the Assumption Clare’s were a little and Coronation of Mary as the narrower, and her habit included seventh mystery. a small in back because of Tunic under habit “Part of our habit, too, her noble heritage, Mother Domi- is being barefoot,” Mother nica Stein, PCC, says. The black veil of a professed Dominica says. “It is a symbol With arms held out, the nun and the white of of holy poverty and walking on Franciscan habit forms a Tau each have three tabs: one at the holy ground (the cloister).” The cross so loved by Francis and his forehead and two near the ears. nuns do, however, wear followers. The nuns are “putting The nuns use straight pins to pin and when shoveling snow, on the cross” as they dress. their veils to their head covers. when gardening and Many religious habits include There are four knots in the cord when they need to travel out of the a scapular (something like a long that is worn around a nun’s waist, cloister, for example to doctor’s ) worn front and back over symbolizing a Poor Clare’s vows appointments. While working the habit, but St. Clare did not of poverty, , obedience outside in the cold, they can wish to wear a scapular. The folds and enclosure. The Poor Clare a pair of warm pants under the Black veil tab on hood in a Poor Clare’s habit represent extern nuns (those who go outside habit as well as warm over the scapular, Mother Dominica the cloister for errands and to the habit. says. represent the nuns at events) do Unlike some religious orders The Poor Clare nun wears a not take a of enclosure and over the years, the Poor Clares white head cover, a type of hood therefore have three knots. have never had any starched and a symbol of . It A special, seven-decade material as part of their habit. once needed extensive pinning to rosary, designed in the late 1400s, There has never been “anything bring it into place around a nun’s is attached at the waist. (See cumbersome, and nothing distinct neck and then fan out in front. opposite page.) The nuns pray for the ” to wear, Mother The current hoods are sewn to fit the usual five-decade rosary six Dominica says, adding that St. around the face and neck without days a week, Mother Dominica Clare’s “simplicity was a beautiful Belt knots all that pinning. says, and they pray the seven- thing.”

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 3 In the Habit Theodore Haggerty, OSB Habits ‘Should Us’

rother Theodore Haggerty, Order of St. Benedict, is one of the younger monks at Marmion Abbey, sched- Buled to be ordained to the - hood in 2020. He and Benedictine Father Joel Rippinger talk about the “great witness value” of their habits. Father Joel entered the Benedictine order in 1968, recalling it as a time when habits were being questioned as being “in the way” of the witness of the religious life. For some, he says, habits became “almost a political football.” The Benedictines are practical about their habits. At times, a ’s

clerical can suffice, Father Joel (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) says. He notes that, while wearing the Brother Theodore Haggerty, OSB, holds a work habit is preferred, for physically-active tunic. undertakings the religious community takes something of a common sense Brother Theodore shares a story of approach. how their saintly founder once instructed The monks can wear a shorter work his monks to wear their better habits out habit, with or without a tee- in public, reminding them they were not underneath, when they are doing looking for and should not look shabby. various manual labors — working When on a journey, all of their clothing on ladders or running a rototiller, for should be clean and well-repaired, Father example. That simple, pullover garment Joel says. Both grin when he adds wryly that is lightweight, has , and it is “in the past, some monks could read their also useful for maintaining an external meals on their ,” an observation witness when a monk travels, Father likely understood by all men who wear ties. Joel says. Once there was a habit that highlighted What’s important, he adds, “is distinction, a from a professed monk, maintaining modesty and cleanliness.” a brother from a priest. St. Benedict in his Rule prescribes “The benefit is now we’re all monks,” two habits. He himself had two Father Joel says, calling the change a habits, the one worn was clean and “natural evolution” and “part of the the other was being cleaned. Benedictine charism.”

lothe me in the new man of justice ‘Cand truth.’ — From a Bendictine said while getting dressed

4 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Parts of the Benedictine Habit Part 1 that the “old man died away (and) The belt of a monk is a general, the new man is Christ. I commit distant reflection of that idea, he The Benedictine’s tunic is a to a new way ... not doing my own says. full-body length garment, and the thing. It is a dying to self, where Brother Theodore gives a more monk prays, “Clothe me in the what all (in the household) have modern for the belt: “If you new man of justice and truth,” as agreed to is (what is) best.” start gaining weight, you can feel he puts it on. Not all religious habits are the it.” A too-snug belt can help a Brother Theodore calls the traditional black, Father Joel says, monk “pursue a balanced life of simple tunic “one I treasure. I put mentioning monks in and activity,” he says. this on and I’m dressed ... I’m not at the equator who wear white, just what I wear. (I am) a man Part 3 and the of New Melleray created for justice and truth.” Abbey who wear a white tunic and A scapular (right) — essentially The traditional black color of black scapular. a full-length work apron — is the habit is associated with death, Marmion’s habits reflect “our worn over the tunic. Brother Theodore explains, saying Swiss-American congregation,” “I give it a kiss first,” Brother Theodore says of the scapular. he adds, describing how the He also prays: “Lord who said, habit’s cowl design comes from ‘my is sweet and my burden a community in Germany and is light,’ make it so that I carry this Brother Theodore holds the scapular. attached to the scapular, while scapular that I may merit your some communities the grace.” alone time with God,” he adds. two pieces “Even if it is a hard day or week together. (of work), there is a reward, a Part 5 Part 2 promise in those words of Christ,” Sturdy, black shoes complete he says. A the habit. Boots, of course, can be belt is worn at Part 4 worn in winter. the waist. The monk’s “The belt hood and cowl is a symbol limits his of chastity,” view, sort of Brother like blinders, Theodore says. Brother The belt is worn He points to Theodore with the to his one-and-a- the side. says. Good half-inch wide, in the cold, durable belt and buckle as Father it also can Joel recalls that chastity belts were Brother Theodore indicate to commonly used long ago by covers his head others that to curb sinful desires. with his hood. you “want Something extra-special The cuculla is a formal and symbolic part of the habit. A monk receives it when he makes his solemn vows, and it is what he is buried in, Father Joel says. It is also worn on particular liturgical occasions, especially from to on solemnities. One cuculla lasts for a monk’s lifetime, throughout his religious life. Brother Theodore wears the first layer Brother Theodore (right) straightens his cuculla. of his habit.

Prayer for Discerning Vocations from the USCCB’s Household Blessings and Prayers Loving Mother, Our Lady of to believe in your Son , the vocation to serve God as married May all of us have the courage of Guadalupe, you asked Juan Diego Christ. or single persona, or priests, Juan Diego to say “Yes” to our to help build a xhurch that would and brothers, or sisters as our way to personal call. serve a new people in a new land. St. Juan Diego, help us respond help extend the reign of God here May we always encourage one You left your image upon his to God’s call to build your Son’s on earth. another to follow Jesus, no matter as a visible sign of your Church today. Help us to pay attention to the where that path takes us. love for us, so that we may come Help us recognize our personal promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 5 Father Oscar Everyday Cortés The Basic Black e are used to seeing or . A rabat can be either a vest priests in black , or a shirt. (See Father Kevin Butler’s slacks, belts and shoes. pictures, below.) Everyday wear. are optional wear WTab-collar shirts can be worn with for every day. Some associate them with or without the stiff clerical collars. (See pre-Vatican II, but that is not necessarily Father John Gow’s photos, opposite the case. There are Roman and Anglican page.) cassocks. Shoulder capes, rabat collars Dress rabat collar is used with a different style of the shirts and vests and band (a fabric belt) are made for priests. Softer material customized options. Priests will wear clerical collars are designed to them with a (white) if they are in between inner and outer of assisting, but not celebrating, the Mass. a rabat collar and stay in place, or (See Father Dennis Morrissy photos, are held in place with clips, snaps opposite page.) Father Kevin Butler (left and below), of St. in Somonauk, holds the two pieces of the collar he and Father Oscar Cortés (far left), pastor of St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora, wear. Father Kevin The collar requires two collar Butler (in his hands below right) that attach to the front and back of his shirt. The white collar piece is inserted into the black piece before being attached to the collar buttons.

Attaching collar to Attaching collar buttons Collar buttons buttons

Front collar button attachment

Collar pieces assembled and attached to front button Back collar button attachment

6 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Wear for Priests A Bit of History

Reprinted from The Catholic in the early Christian priestly dress. Encyclopedia centuries. The first embraces the era before Father The priest in discharging his sacred Constantine. In that period the priest- Nearly all ecclesiologists are now Dennis functions at the was dressed as ly dress did not yet differ from the agreed that liturgical was Morrissy in civil life, but the custom probably secular costume in form and orna- simply an adaptation of the grew up of reserving for this purpose ment ... In times of peace and under secular attire commonly garments that were newer and normal conditions better garments worn throughout the cleaner than those used in his daily were probably used, and these were avocations, and out of this gradually especially reserved for the celebra- developed the conception of a spe- tion of the Sacred Mysteries. cial liturgical attire. The second period embraces the In any case the in particu- time from about the fourth to the lar seems to have been identical with ninth century. It is the most import- the outer garment of the ant epoch in the history of liturgical lower orders. It consisted of a square vestments, the epoch in which not or circular piece of cloth in the center merely a priestly dress in a special of which a hole was made; through sense was created, but one which at this the head was passed. With the the same time determined the chief arms hanging down, this vestments of the present liturgical rude garment covered the dress ... (and include) the introduction whole figure. It was like a of a special blessing for the vest- little house (casula). ments intended for liturgical use. The liturgical The third period, extending from vestments have by the ninth to the thirteenth century, no means remained completed the development of the the same from the priestly vestments in Western . founding of the In the fourth period, from the thir- Church until the teenth century to the present time, present day ... . the history of the liturgical vestments Four main peri- is almost entirely the history of their ods may be distin- rubrical evolution, their guished in the with embroidery and ornamental development of trimmings, and the nature of the the Christian material from which they are made. In general the tendency in the fourth period has been towards greater richness of material and ornamenta- tion, but, at the same time, towards greater convenience, therefore, a constantly increasing shortening and fitting to the figure of the vestments, naturally impairing the form and aesthetic effect of the vestments.

Father John Gow

Father Dennis Morrissy, pastor of St. Mary Father John Gow in Elizabeth and St. in (left), parochial vicar Hanover, wears a black (above), an at St. Catherine of alternative to a a clerical shirt and black slacks. Siena in and He also shows a a simple white surplice, St. Mary in Gilberts, worn by a priest who is assisting at a Mass. and Father Dennis Morrissy (far left) opt for a simple tab-collar that slips in and out of a clerical shirt.

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 7 Father Sean Grismer Liturgical Garb Carries

hen we look at the touches the to the top of his head, beautiful things of the he prays: “Place, O Lord, the of Church (including) salvation upon my head and repel the the vestments, it’s assaults of the devil.” ‘importantW to remember this is not for the up building of the priest,” Father Sean The Grismer, parochial vicar at St. Bridget An alb, in Loves Park, says. a white “It’s so that we remember that vestment we’re giving greater honor and with close- glory to who Jesus Christ is. fitting sleeves We’re doing it in the way that we that reaches can, which is with our material almost to the objects.” ground, goes That beauty, he explains, over the amice. “ought to be a mirror of what is It is a reminder happening within us (priests). It of perfect has to be mirroring the love that integrity, of the our hearts have for Christ.” purity of our As Father Grismer describes , Father each piece of clothing worn for the Grismer says. The alb celebration of the Mass, it is clear Little children have that each has a purpose and history. said that it looks like a , “There is a blessing for each of the and as such, he says, “it reminds us we vestments,” he says, “because each are at the eternal banquet of the Lamb. performs a different function.” He is the bridegroom and we are the bride.” The amice This white garment hearkens back The first vestment a priest puts to our baptism and is “a foreshadowing on is called an amice, a short linen of what we are entering into in the cloth that is either square or oblong wedding banquet of the Lamb, both in shape. It covers the priest’s here in time, but also what we’re shoulders — in the it about to enter into in eternity,” Father also covered the priest’s head and Grismer explains, adding that “the alb folded back to create a small cowl. is so significant because it is resonating Looking at it practically, the amice through all the ” including acts as a sweat guard to protect the first and weddings. vestments worn over it. The prayer when putting on the alb But “spiritually, it is supposed to reads: “Cleanse me Lord and purify protect our minds,” my heart, so that being washed in the Father Grismer blood of the Lamb, I may come to enjoy says. It signifies everlasting bliss.” the helmet of The salvation which The cincture (or protects ), a simple the cord usually priest made of hemp from or , is . worn around After the waist. It confines a priest the loose, The cincture The amice flowing alb,

8 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Varieties Meaning, Prayer, History preventing it from impeding the authority that Christ has given to when we live it out vice versa movement of the wearer, and acts the priest “to proclaim the Word, ... when we live the love of as a placeholder for the . to preach and to teach ... So long Christ through the office, The cincture “serves as a as the priest is wearing the stole, when the office is the very reminder of the promise of there’s a showing of the office.” thing we ascribe to rather than we’ve taken,” Father The Catholic Encyclopedia calls the .” Grismer says. “It is a beautiful it “the of the diaconal and come in a variety girding around us.” priestly orders” and adds that “the of forms and cuts, ranging from Cinctures are most often white, stole of the priest extends from a Roman (fiddleback) cut with no but also can be the colors of the the back of the neck across the sleeves to a monastic cut — and various liturgical seasons. (See shoulders to the breast, where the many varieties in between. The chasuble and stole story, bottom.) two halves either cross each other Father Grismer likes a style he The prayer when putting on or fall down straight.” calls the Philip Neri, something of the Mass,” the cincture is: “Gird me, Lord, Father Grismer secures the two like a Roman cut but allowing Father Grismer says. “When I am with the cincture of purity and halves of his stole through loops for more arm movement. Most a priest entering into Mass, I’m ... extinguish within me unholy he creates with his cincture. commonly seen here in the in the person of Christ the Head. desires, so that I may persevere in The prayer when putting on the Rockford Diocese, he says, is a Therefore in the celebration of continence and chastity.” stole: “Restore to me, Lord, the neo-Gothic cut. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and stole of immortality which was lost The varieties in style and ascension, in imitation of that, The stole through the transgression of our material have evolved in part even what we wear signifies and The priest then puts on a stole, first parents; and unfit as I be to according to weather. The winter represents, (and) hearkens back to which is composed of a strip of approach your Sacred Mystery, months in Germany, Father that of Christ and His own death material from two to four inches let me be worthy at last of eternal Grismer notes, are a lot colder and resurrection.” wide and about 80 inches long. joy.” than in . The Church asks that , for It has either a width “Now with heat and air example, be made of linen (like throughout, or is somewhat The chasuble (conditioning, the cut) is more narrower towards the middle, Over all these vestments the of the preference of the priest,” Christ’s burial cloths). But they widening at the ends in the chasuble is worn. It is, says the he adds. “We order our own don’t have to be. shape of a trapezium or spade. A Catholic Encyclopedia, “the vestments, and you can find them “The Church is a mother; she small cross is generally sewed or principal and most conspicuous very cheap and very expensive, knows what is good for her kids,” embroidered in the middle where Mass vestment, covering all the depending on the quality, and the Father Grismer says, explaining the priest kisses the stole before rest.” maker, and the material.” that this mother says, “ ‘I want this putting it on. The chasuble is the symbol There are legitimate reasons to for you, but I totally understand Stoles come in a variety of of the charity of Christ, the purchase cheaper vestments — if it is not possible’ ... She asks liturgical colors and designs. “For love of Christ,” Father Grismer for example may need and prefers, but also permits. It a general rule within the Church,” says, pointing out a significant to purchase them due to lack of is a beautiful love she has for her Father Grismer says, “white is fact: “Notice that the stole goes finances and the need for materials children in that.” always acceptable. If you don’t underneath – not vice versa. That that are easy to clean. The prayer used when vesting have a stole in the color of the is because we live by the authority But in general, the Church in the chasuble: “O Lord who said liturgical season, white always of Christ, but (that office) is always asks that vestment material be of ‘My yoke is easy and my burden works.” lived out in the charity, love of a high quality “because of what light,’ help me to carry it in such a The stole, he adds, is about the Christ. And it does great harm we are entering into: the way as to win your favor. Amen.” Liturgical Colors Have Meaning, Too

As outlined by the Church, Time in the Church. Father Sean great hope in the mystery of Similar to is the color rose, different colors represent different Grismer quotes a professor he had salvation. Green is the color of which is worn just two Sundays liturgical seasons. Since around in seminary, that hope, and we live in hope in throughout the year. First is the sixth century, the primary is not ordinary. Ordinary Time Christ. the Third Sunday of Advent, liturgical colors have been green, focuses on the three-year period Purple is worn during Advent otherwise known as Gaudete white, purple, red and black. of our Lord’s public ministry. His and , representing the Sunday. During Lent it is worn Green signifies Ordinary teachings and engender penitential sense of those seasons. Continued on page 11

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 9 Deacons’

Deacon Steeped in , James Easton Tradition, Service

ather Kenneth Wasilewski, diocesan director of the perma- nent diaconate, agrees that, “From a distance, the vestments that a wears at Mass can look a lot like the ones a Fpriest wears.” But actually, even though both priests and deacons wear a couple of the same items — alb and cincture, “There are actually several practical, symbolic and theological differences,” he says. “While externally the vestments of a deacon can look very similar to those of a priest, in fact they have a theological symbolism all their own — one which Deacon James Easton ties the reflects who a deacon is called to be by knot on his cinture over his virtue of his .” white alb. Father Wasilewski describes the alb as “the white ‘robe’ that is worn under the other vestments. This is a symbol of purity and recalls the image of the elect in heaven worshipping the from the of (7:9-17). “With the alb a priest or deacon typically wears a cincture, a rope-like ‘belt’ worn around the waist. The cincture is symbolic of chastity. While permanent deacons may be married, they, like all Christians, are called to live lives of chastity, even if they are not celibate like priests. “Chastity simply means living one’s sexuality appropriately for one’s state in life.” The other two vestments for deacons differ from those for priests. Although both priests and deacons wear stoles, a priest’s stole goes around his neck, “symbolic of the authority he exercises in celebrating the — in a sense it is a symbol of his being entrusted to lead the prayer and ,” Father Wasilewski says. A deacon’s stole is worn as a sign of service, over his shoulder, “reminiscent of those in the ancient world who were tasked to wait on tables and who would carry a towel for cleaning over their shoulder,” Father Deacon James Easton shows Wasilewski says. the cross on his stole at his “If we read the Acts of the Apostles shoulder. (6:1-7), we see that this was an important task of those first called upon to be deacons. In fact, the word ‘deacon’ literally means ‘one who serves.’ And so this essential attribute of what it means to be a deacon is reflected in the stole that he wears while at Mass. “Anyone who has ever thrown a towel over their shoulder while doing the dishes or cleaning the kitchen at home, is doing the same thing

10 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Attire

symbolized by the deacon’s stole.” location associated with the A second Deacons may serve at Mass historical production of these possible clue while wearing only an alb, garments,” Father Wasilewski is that it is cincture and stole. They also may explains. “The region of typical for wear an additional liturgical ‘Dalmatia’ — the same place that a priest’s vestment, which has historical ties to the dog breed, chasuble to is called a Dalmatians — is in what is today have one , Croatia. prominent generally in “A dalmatic worn by a deacon stripe in the the same color is also symbolic of his service — middle of as the chasuble much like his stole. A dalmatic the garment, worn by the can be thought of as essentially while a celebrant of the a ‘smock’ or ‘apron’ worn over dalmatic Mass. other clothes while serving and usually has “The name working. It is distinguishable from two stripes, comes from a priest’s chasuble mainly by the left and a geographic fact that it has sleeves.” right of the Deacon James Easton Those sleeves, however, are not middle of wears his gold stole. Father Kenneth obvious when a deacon’s arms the garment. Wasilewski holds a are not outstretched. Two other However deacon’s dalmatic in possible clues might be helpful. Father Wasilewski notes that, front of his vest- ments to show the One is that, depending on while “it’s an easy way to difference between the of the dalmatic, a distinguish between them, there’s the deacon’s sleeve and the deacon’s stole may be visible on no hard and fast rule regarding it. drape of a priest’s chasuble.. his shoulder. It’s really more of a custom.” Liturgical Colors Have Meaning, Too

From page 9 otherwise known as Laetare martyrs. It may also be used for during the Fourth Sunday, Sunday. Father Grismer says the the Feast of All , Masses of rose color points to joy , and Masses for in the midst of those the Dead to signify our sharing in penitential seasons. the resurrection of our Lord, when Purple vestments may He triumphed over sin and death, also be used for the sorrow and darkness. Feast of All Souls, Red implies the , Masses of Christian the Holy Spirit and the martyrs. It Burial and Masses for is put on by the priest on martyrs’ the Dead, such as on feast days, at Pentecost, Palm Sunday, and for an anniversary of a confirmations. death. Black, rarely seen, can be worn White denotes during the Office of the Dead. It times of great may also be worn on Good Friday. celebration as seen Gold symbolizes rejoicing and in the Christmas purity of and can be worn and Easter seasons. during the seasons of Christmas White vestments and Easter. are also worn at Blue is not a liturgical color, , weddings, but trimmings of blue may be and feast found on white vestments used on (Observer photos/Amanda Hudson) days of the Lord, the Marian feast days. Purple chasuble and stole Father Sean Grismer holds white and green Blessed Mother and Sources: Father Sean Grismer, Our website, and the “Catholic Straight chasubles and stoles who are not Sunday Visitor’s “Simply Catholic” Answers” website.

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 11 Msgr. Monsignors Glenn Nelson Papal Honors Mean Additional

n the late 1960s, Pope VI of dismantled the centuries-old Papal is the first Court along with its honors system. He replaced it with a simplified (lowest) of the three ranks of . It is a granted by the pope to a Istructure of honors for the clergy and member of the diocesan clergy upon the laity. request of the diocesan , and more By 1900, there were 16 degrees of the frequently upon clerics in service in the monsignori. The majority of the Curia or in the papal diplomatic service. derived from a personal or domestic For a time, this particular level was service to the reigning pope. dropped. Pope St. John Paul II brought it With Paul VI’s changes, there now back in 2002, and Msgr. Glenn Nelson, are only three levels of the monsignori. and The attire worn by those various kinds for the Diocese of Rockford, was named a Chaplain of His Holiness that same of monsignors are distinguished mostly year, installed in January 2003. by color. The black (house) cassocks worn by of His Holiness are trimmed with bright red-purple buttons and matching trim along the edges. The () is the same bright red- purple. Msgr. Nelson says with a grin that the informal name used by clergy in Australia for the fascia is “belly band.” He grins again as he explains the fascia used to be fastened with hooks and eyes but now are secured with hook and loop tape. That makes adjusting the fascia “with the changing of the seasons” — from Lent with its fasting to Christmas with its feasting — easier. Msgr. Glenn Nelson holds the cassock while wearing a bright red-purple clerical of Honor dickey-amice. Msgr. Nelson was installed a Prelate of Honor in May of 2011. Prelate of Honor is the most frequently bestowed of the papal honors at the diocesan level. The nomination of the honoree is traditionally announced simultaneously with the group of other papal honors being conferred at that time within a diocese. These monsignors’ black (house) cassocks are trimmed with red buttons and edging. The fascia, however, is the same bright red-purple as found at the first level. Msgr. Nelson calls his house cassock ‘,’ for banquets, wedding Msgr. Nelson flips part of his fascia (sash) festivities and other non-liturgical over his shoulder while adjusting it celebrations. around the waist of his “house cassock” These monsignors also have what (shown in full, left). is called a cassock to wear

12 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear Brighten Up Attire for Priests at liturgical functions. Choir breathable fabric, they are even the slender cord waving around. cassocks are a red-purple color hotter. It would be just fine for With nothing to repair it handy, with red buttons and trim. The medieval castles, he adds. he tucked the loose end under the deep cuffs are red (see photo at A surplice is worn over a choir fascia — and, mercifully, it stayed right). Once again, the fascia is a cassock during a liturgy when the put. bright red-purple. When vested for monsignor is not a celebrant. But Mass, only the cuffs and of a Msgr. Nelson says during Lent, he choir cassock are visible. wears the black cassock instead of Supranumerary Msgr. Nelson counts the many the flashy bright red-purple. Priests holding the title layers. “T-shirt, my shirt, my An additional feature of the Protonotary Apostolic cassock, my alb and the chasuble,” cassocks are two cords loosely Supranumerary are the highest- he says, adding that when albs looped from mid-shoulder blade ranking nonepiscopal (non-bishop) and chasubles are not made of to waist in back. The fascia slides at the diocesan level. between the Both Msgr. Thomas Brady and cords and the the late Msgr. Charles McNamee cassock. were elevated to that level — Msgr. Nelson Msgr. Brady in 1994 and Msgr. recalls one McNamee in 1999. mishap when These monsignors are he was a new entitled to purple vestments monsignor and and are permitted to wear the Monsignors with the title Prelate of was heading purple , a type of Honor, such as Msgr. Nelson, have what into a room traditionally worn on formal, non- is called a choir cassock to wear at litur- with a group to liturgical occasions. gical functions. Here Msgr. Nelson also wears a surplice over his choir cassock, meet Pope John It can be worn over the Paul II. One which is appropriate during a liturgy shoulders or behind them. It when the monsignor is not a celebrant. of the loops extends in length to the ankles, is in back of his tied in a bow by narrow strips of cassock caught cloth at the front, and it does not Msgr. Nelson is vested for Mass in the of the Immac- on the door have any trim or on it. ulate Conception in the Diocesan Administration Building. knob, snapping The color of the ferraiolo is When vested for Mass, only the cuffs and hem of a monsi- off one end determined by the rank of the gnor’s choir cassock are visible. and leaving cleric.

The tradition of the monsignor “Any papal , but most sig- the prelatial title, as well as of the of life within the Church, and that nificantly one of the clerical , privileges and responsibilities that individual always live up to the is part of a centuries-old tradition the award carries. It must always be Church’s trust in him.” within the Church to which rela- remembered by papal honorees, Source: “The Church Visible” by James- tively few have ever been singled both lay and ecclesiastical, that, for Charles Noonan out. care to live accordingly, whatever reason the award may Resources: “The Church Visible: The as is also the mandate for a lay have been conferred, the recipient Ceremonial Life and Protocol of the honoree, requires an understand- has been singled out by Rome as an Church” by James- ing of the history and traditions of exemplary example of his vocation Charles Noonan, Jr.; Wikipedia

Learn ASL Signs for Clergy

Msgr. Glenn Nelson (right) is the Vicar diocesan Deaf Ministry. Learn some of (CNS file photo) General and Moderator of the Curia for the American Sign Language signs for Fulton Sheen wears a fer- the Rockford Diocese, and director of the clergy and religious on page 16. raiolo. The ferraiolo was not included in a current catalog of clerical supplies.

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 13 The Garb of Bishop David Malloy Bishops’ Attire Identifies Their

hen a priest becomes entirely of rugged wood. By the third a bishop, he wears century particular vest- a smooth ments and insignia wooden Wto designate his office. Different staff was vestments and insignia are used. The required depending on the lit- all-wood urgy, ceremony, or event being crozier was celebrated. set aside Bishop David Malloy of during the Diocese of Rockford the reign shows how his ceremonial of Pope and daily garb is similar to Celestine and different from those of I (middle priests and monsignors. of the fifth Bishop David Malloy holds Many elements of his century). Bishop Loras T. Lane’s crozier clothing date back The staffs at his ordination in 2012. centuries. were made It was a 50th jubilee gift to Bishop Lane from Archbish- of the richest Signs of Office op , a Stockton na- of local tive who was Archbishop of Several items that woods and Dubuque, , at the time. distinguish a bishop the crook from other priests are was made of his crozier or pastoral soft pliable staff; his miter, his metal and and his gilt. By the . Renais- Crozier sance, the ornamenta- A detail from Bishop Loras A crozier, also tion of the T. Lane’s crozier includes the called a pastoral staff, crozier diocesan seal and other in- signia. is traditionally made became in three segments: elaborate and included gems as well as the crook, the staff, precious metals. and the pediment. During the 12th century The crozier is the the crozier became senior ecclesiastical the size it is today insignia that — from 60 to symbolizes the 70 inches. By pastoral authority the 17th century, of bishops, the set symbolizing regulations about Christ’s love and the materials and Bishop Arthur J. protection for design permitted. O’Neill’s crozier His people as a (left) is kept in Today, prelates shepherd would the archives of all ranks may over of the Dio- make use of the his sheep. cese of Rock- crozier style of Its history ford. their choice, within can be traced to the Twelve accepted norms. Apostles; legend has it they carried The crozier is always carried large staffs, typical of travelers. In by the prelate with the crook the early Church, croziers were made forward, a position referred to as

14 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear the Shepherd Office in the Church

“opened.” Croziers belonging to past What’s on bishops of the diocese are the chain sometimes used by Bishop Malloy. behind However he usually uses a crozier Bishop given to him by the priests of the Malloy’s diocese. ? His Bishop Malloy’s ring pectoral Miter pope and all cardinals, bishops cross in its and . The cross is suspended The origins of the miter () position for from the neck by either a metal can be traced to ancient , daily wear. most likely derived from the chain or cord. and ribbons worn by athletes. These crosses served originally The ribbons were worn around as a reliquary of the True Cross, the forehead, tied in back and but the crosses made today do not left to dangle down the back. include a relic. The pectoral cross In summer a soft cloth cap was Bishop is to be worn at all times. With the black clerical , the cross is Bishop Malloy’s house cassock, pecto- placed under the bands to protect Malloy wears to be on a chain, cross the breast ral cross and black the competitors from the heat. The a pontifical and rest in the left suit- or vest became identified as that cross (left) The ordinary ring is for daily, . of a champion. hanging from non-ceremonial use. It most often Simple pectoral crosses are All miters are formed in the a silk cord. It contains the arms of the bishop. known as the ordinary pectoral same was first used It may also be religious in design, cross. A more ornate type is : worked in simple gold or silver. by Bishop known as the pontifical cross with Arthur J. and may contain the reliquary. Bishops’ attire two O’Neill. The pontifical cross is suspended flat In addition to the symbols — forms, two flaps and a . with a silk cord, not a chain. crozier, miter, pectorial cross There are three distinct styles Cords worn by cardinals are red and ring — a bishop’s attire also permitted in the Roman with gold thread. Patriarchs, speaks of his office. Church: Precious miter; Golden and bishops wear a (orphreyed) miter; and Simple green and gold cord, and abbots Cassocks miter. have a black cord. Cassocks can be worn by all The first two kinds differ Bishop Malloy is pictured here levels of clergy, except the Holy from each other only in the with a pectoral cross he purchased Father. greater or less richness and another one that belonged to There have always been two of the ornamentation; the Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill (with the types of cassocks for the clergy: simple miter is of white silk cord). the choir cassock and the ordinary silk or white linen entirely Ring (house) cassock. without ornament. House (ordinary) cassocks are A popular custom over the The episcopal ring is the symbol black and ankle length. They are last 20 years is to match the of a prelate’s authority. Later, the loose-fitting and without trim miter with the vestments of ring took the additional symbolic for priests and seminarians; but the day. (See photo at left.) meaning of a bishop’s with purple, red-purple or Only the pope, cardinals and to the Church and his spiritual buttons, piping and trim for the bishops are entitled to be buried parentage over the faithful of his various ranks of the prelature. in the miter. diocese. Choir cassocks have this name The ring is always worn on the because they are worn “in choir” Pectoral Cross Bishop fourth finger of the right hand. In as in the public ceremonies of the Malloy This is a cross, traditionally the past there were three types of Church. The mozzetta and in Mass no more than six inches in rings for prelates; something not are worn by bishops with the choir vestments length, made of precious metals always possible today because of cassock. Choir cassocks are worn with miter and worn at the breast by the the cost. Continued on page 16

What They Wear The Observer | FEBRUARY 2020 | 15 The Garb of the Shepherd

From page 15 not celebrating. The rochet The must always be of the academic mortarboard and by bishops underneath is a tunic of white, usually worn under the miter. Celebrants the soft doctoral cap in secular the alb when they are fine linen or , reaching and concelebrants at the liturgy . Bishop Malloy celebrating Mass. about to the knee. It is of the Mass must remove their wears a and a ferraiolo distinguished from Mozzetta zucchettos from the time of the (cape) at graduations. (See picture the surplice (worn to just after communion. on page 14.) This short, cape- by priests and The is to shaped garment monsignors) mainly remove the zucchetto from the Dalmatic covers the shoulders by the narrower main celebrant; concelebrants The dalmatic is a vestment with and reaches only to sleeves. It is frequently remove their own. wide sleeves and marked with the elbow. It has an trimmed with lace. The The zucchetto is always two stripes. The name “dalmatic” open front, which may lower edge and the sleeves removed in the presence of the comes from Dalmatia, a historic be fastened by means of may also be garnished Blessed and during region of Croatia, along the a row of small buttons; with lace, lined with violet the veneration of or blessing with Adriatic Sea. In the early centuries at the neck it has a or red silk, or more rarely a relic of the True Cross. It is not of Christian history, it was the very small and purely with embroidered borders. removed at the recitation of the garb of rank and prestige in civil ornamental hood. Lord’s Prayer. society. Bishops made use of the The pope’s mozzetta Zucchetto dalmatic as part of their required is red or white. A A zucchetto is Biretta Bishop Malloy’s choir cas- vesture cardinal’s mozzetta , pontifical cross and a closely-fitting The biretta underneath is generally red (but amaranth-red (red-pur- skullcap, saucer is a square the chasuble pink on Gaudete and ple) mozzetta with ro- shaped, and can be ecclesiastical cap from the Laetare Sundays, and chet white (for ), red with either three or four “horns.” 13th century violet in penitential (cardinals). Bishops The is made of stiffened seasons and for ). (as well as archbishops and until late cardboard covered with material When worn by bishops, the patriarchs) use silk amaranth-red in the 20th. proper to the rank of the cleric. mozzetta is amaranth-red (red- (red-purple) zucchettos. They are Bishop There is also a tuft, or pompon, purple) or black. uniquely-shaped and made from Malloy The mozzetta is not a liturgical age-old patterns in Rome. They of silk at the conjuncture of the wears a vestment and is not worn at the were initially of rough wool, with horns. The biretta may be foldable dalmatic for Deacon Thomas McK- administration of the sacraments. a circumference three times the or stationary. It should fit firmly ordinations enna, the bishop’s present size. on the brow and the “hornless” and other Rochet personal secretary, Zucchettos come in small, peak should always be to the left. important helps Bishop Malloy In the , medium and large. They are made Bishops and archbishops may occasions. adjust his dalmatic. cardinals, bishops and certain of silk in eight equal triangular use a purple biretta with a purple Sources: “The other dignitaries use a rochet, parts, a silken loop of the same tuft. Church Visible: The Ceremonial Life and a garment that is worn over the color at the top junction of the The most probable origin is the Protocol of the Roman Catholic Church” cassock for non-eucharistic triangular points. The loop is for academic hat of the high Middle by James-Charles Noonan, Jr.; Catholic functions and for Masses he is of taking it on and off. Ages, which is also the ancestor Encyclopedia; Wikipedia

ASL Signs for the Clergy and Religious Msgr. Glenn Nelson, who is Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Rockford Diocese is also director of Deaf Ministry. He demonstrates how American Sign Lan- guage relies on papal, clerical and religious attire for its meaning. The sign for bishop (top near right) mimics the kissing of a bish- Bishop Priest op’s ring. The sign for priest (top far right) in- dicates the priestly collar. The sign for mon- signor (left) sweeps over the body where the fascia (belt) goes. The sign for monk (bottom near right) imitates the motion of pulling a cowl over one’s head. And the sign for sister or nun (bottom far right) demon- Monsignor strates where a veil covers a woman’s head. Monk Sister or Nun

16 | FEBRUARY 2020 | The Observer What They Wear