The vestments worn by our priests are not only beautiful and decorative—they have significant meaning.
Alb - The alb is the long white, robe-like vestment worn by all clerics at liturgical celebrations. White is the symbol of purity and the term alb, from the Latin word albe, means white. It can be traced to the Roman alb worn under a cloak or tunic. The priest prays: “Purify me, O Lord, and cleanse my heart, that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb, I may come to eternal joy.”
Stole - The stole symbolizes the clerical office, immortality, and the Yoke of Christ. This, matching the liturgical color, is a long, scarf-like vestment worn over the alb and under the chasuble. This is presented at Ordination when made a Deacon and worn diagonally across the body. When ordained Priest, the stole is ceremonially untied and from then on worn hanging equally down the chest. (A Bishop wears the stole in the same way because he never ceases to be a priest.) The origins of the stole are the towels that slaves wore around their necks. When bending down, or kneeling, they would use the towel to wipe the feet of guests or their masters. Jesus wore a towel around his waist and washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. The stole is seen as a symbol that the cleric is to serve the people of God. When putting on the stole, the priest kisses the Cross on the stole
Chasuble - The chasuble symbolizes charity and the Yoke of Christ. This matches the liturgical color and is a long, often ornate, sleeveless poncho-like garment worn by priests and bishops over the alb and stole during the sacrifice of the Mass.
In future articles we will look at the meaning of the different colors of the vestments and church decorations.