VESTING PRAYERS
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.
O Lord, the portion of my inheritance and my chalice, You are He who will restore my inheritance.
Dominus, pars hereditatis meae et calicis mei, tu es qui restitues hereditatem meam.
Fascia (sash)
The sash or cincture around the waist represents chastity.
Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me.
Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis.
Surplice
Invest me, O Lord, as a new man, who was created by God in justice and holiness of truth. Amen.
Indue me, Domine, novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia et sanctitate veritatis. Amen.
Washing Hands
Before he vests for Mass, the celebrant washes his hands and asks for the grace of purity.
Give virtue, O Lord, to my hands, that every stain may be wiped away, that I may be enabled to serve you without defilement of mind or body.Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendum omnem maculam ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tib 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.
Place, O Lord, on my head the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults of the devil.Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus.
Alb
The alb, a white tunic which covers the priest’s whole body, signifies perfect integrity.Purify me, O Lord, from all stain and cleanse my heart, that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal delights.Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruare sempiternis.
Cincture
The cincture, a cord which fastens the alb at the waist, symbolizes the virtue of purity.
Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may remain in me.Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis.
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.
May I deserve, O Lord, to bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow in order that I may joyfully reap the reward of my labors.
Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.
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.
Restore to me, O Lord, the state of immortality which was lost to me by my first parents, and, although unworthy to approach your sacred mysteries, grant me, nevertheless, eternal joy.Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: et, quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum mysterium, merear tamen gaudium sempiternum.
Tunicle
May the Lord cloth me in the tunicle of delight, and the garment of rejoicing.
Tunica jucunditatis, et indumento laetitiae induat me Dominus.
Dalmatic
The dalmatic (worn by deacons and bishops) is a symbol of service. The colour white represents purity of soul and the red stripes love for one's neighbour.
Endow me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.Indue me, Domine, indumento salutis et vestimento lætitiæ; et dalmatica justitiæ circumda me semper.
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.
O Lord, you said, “My yoke is sweet and my burden light,” grant that I may carry it so as to obtain your grace. Amen.Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meam suave est et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic valeam, quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen.
While Waiting to go to the Altar
Heavenly Father, I go to the Offering of Jesus my Lord; to give thanks and praise to You,
especially for:_____________________;
and I do especially pray for: __________.
Receive these imperfect offerings of my heart, which I go to set forth to You in the Perfect Offering of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Prayers While Removing the Vestments
Lord Jesus Christ, who in a wonderful Sacrament has left unto us a memorial of Your passion: Grant me, I beseech You, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood, that I may ever perceive within myself the fruit of Your redemption.
Let it be to me the armor of faith, the riddance of all vices, and the increase of all virtues.
And I pray You, that You would vouchsafe to bring me, a sinner, to that unfathomable Feast, where You, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, are to Your Saints true light, full satisfaction, everlasting joy, complete delight, and perfect happiness. All this I ask through Your most Holy Name. Amen.
