MISSIONARIES OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

Vestment Vocabulary

Alb: An ample white garment coming down to the ankles and usually girdled with a cincture. It is modeled after the long linen tunic used by the Romans. (From the Latin albus, white.)

Cincture: A long cord with tasseled or knotted ends, tied around the waist outside the alb. The color may be white or may vary according to the liturgical season.

Stole: A a strip of material, several inches wide, and worn around the neck by priests and bishops or at the left shoulder like a sash by deacons, for the celebration of Mass, administration of the sacraments, and ceremonies of the Blessed Sacrament. (From the Latin stola, a long robe.)

Chasuble: A sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest at Mass. It is worn over all other vestments and is made of silk, velvet, or other rich material usually decorated with symbols. The arms are to be free when it is worn. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ and signifies charity. (From the Latin casula, a little house, a mantle.)

Photos of vestments courtesy of the
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, O’Fallon, Mo.