Vesting Prayers in Latin and English Cassock: The wearing of clerical garb is a visible sign of belief and of the consecration of one’s life to the service of the Lord and His Church. The Roman collar symbolizes obedience; and the color black, poverty. Moreover, black is a color of mourning and death; for the priest, the symbolism is dying to oneself to rise and to serve the Lord as well as giving witness of the Kingdom yet to come. Dominus, pars hereditatis meae et calicis mei, O Lord, the portion of my inheritance and my tu es qui restitues hereditatem meam. chalice, You are He who will restore my inheritance. Fascia (sash): The sash or cincture around the waist represents chastity. Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut and quench in my heart the fire of maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis. concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me. Washing Hands: Before he vests for Mass, the celebrant washes his hands and asks for the grace of purity. Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad Give strength to my hands, Lord, to wipe abstergendum omnem maculam ut sine away all stain, so that I may be able to serve pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi Thee in purity of mind and body. servire. Amice: The amice, a rectangular piece of white linen cloth, is the helmet of salvation and a sign of resistance against temptation. The priest usually kisses it and passes it over his head before putting it across his shoulders and tying it around the waist. Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, Lord, set the helmet of salvation on my head ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus. to fend off all the assaults of the devil. Alb: The alb, a white tunic which covers the priest’s whole body, signifies perfect integrity. Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruare heart; that being made white in the Blood of sempiternis. the Lamb I may deserve an eternal reward. Cincture: The cincture, a cord which fastens the alb at the waist, symbolizes the virtue of purity. Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut and quench in my heart the fire of maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis. concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me. Maniple: The Maniple became known as an emblem of the tears of penance, the burden of sin, and the fatigue of the priestly office. This understanding is reflected in the vesting prayer said while putting on the maniple before Mass Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et May I deserve, O Lord, to bear the maniple of doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam weeping and sorrow in order that I may mercedem laboris. joyfully reap the reward of my labors. Stole: The stole, the long band that fits around the neck, is a symbol of immortality and the sign of the dignity of the ministerial priesthood. Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, Lord, restore the stole of immortality, which I quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: lost through the collusion of our first parents, et, quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum and, unworthy as I am to approach Thy sacred mysterium, merear tamen gaudium mysteries, may I yet gain eternal joy. sempiternum. Dalmatic (Deacons and Bishops): The symbol given to the Dalmatic has been the colour white represents purity of soul and in the red stripes the emblem of love for one's neighbour. Indue me, Domine, indumento salutis et Lord, endow me with the garment of vestimento lætitiæ; et dalmatica justitiæ salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the circumda me semper. dalmatic of justice ever encompass me. Chasuble: The chasuble, the outermost vestment worn by the celebrant at Mass, is the emblem of charity which makes the yoke of Christ light and agreeable. Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meam suave est et O Lord, who has said, ‘My yoke is sweet and onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic My burden light,’ grant that I may so carry it valeam, quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen. as to merit Thy grace. .