Skip to main content

WHAT IS A CHASUBLE AND WHY DO CATHOLIC PRIESTS WEAR IT?



WHAT IS A CHASUBLE? 

A Chasuble is 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. 


ORIGIN OF THE CHASUBLE 

Since ancient times, whenever a priest celebrated the sacrifice of the Mass he would put on a large poncho-like garment called a casula (chasuble) that covered his ordinary clothing. This vestment developed from the ordinary Roman attire of a farmer, who wore the large poncho to protect him from the elements. It eventually became associated with Christians in the 3rd century.


As the fashion trends shifted the chasuble ceased to be an ordinary garment but was still used by priests. By the 8th century the chasuble was reserved for clergy members and began to be ornamented in a way that reflected its sacred function.


At first the chasuble was large and bulky, and required the help of other attendants at the liturgy to gather the many folds to better facilitate the movements of the priest. Over time it was cut down in shape, most extreme in the case of the “fiddleback” style chasuble during the last few centuries.


WHY DO PRIESTS WEAR IT AND WHAT DOES IT SYMBOLIZE?

The symbolism of the chasuble can be found expressed in the traditional prayer that a priest prays before putting it on. O Lord, who has said, “My yoke is sweet and My burden light,” grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace.


The chasuble is seen as the “yoke of Christ” and reminds the priest that he is “another Christ” in the sacrifice of the Mass and to “put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and holiness of truth” (Ephesians 4:24).


Additionally, the chasuble symbolizes the “seamless garment” worn by Christ when he was led to his crucifixion. This further accentuates the connection between the priest, the Mass, and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. A common ornamentation of the chasuble is a large cross on the back or front of the vestment to further cement the symbolism. The color of this vestment is coordinated with the symbolic color of the liturgical season or feast.


CONCLUSION 

For these reasons, the Church holds on to this ancient garment, reminding the priest (and the people) that the Mass is not an ordinary event, but one that is sacred and like nothing else on the face of the earth. 

Ibi Emmanuel 

From Facebook 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Catholics should not eat meat during Christmas Eve

  One of the traditional acts of Christmas is to abstain from meat on Christmas Eve, 24th December.  I could still remember the temptation from the aroma of the fried chicken from my Mama Lucy's kitchen when I was 7 years old. I asked her for a bite and she shouted “Agbedo" meaning never!!! “Why grandma?” I asked, she took me by hands to the Church manger and showed me the animals in the crib: “Yes, Olu, we cannot eat meat on Christmas Eve because the animals were the ones who kept Jesus company at his birth, so we must respect them today''. “Waoo!” I exclaimed, “So that's why I cannot eat meat today...” I held unto this tradition until I entered Seminary only for us to eat plenty meat on the Christmas Eve. Then I asked: “Why are we not respecting the animals today?” And my brothers laughed at my ignorance.  Why then should grandma stop me from eating meat? According to Wikipedia, the Catholic Church historically observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence a...
4 comments
Read more

About Society of Divine Vocations in Nigeria

The Society of Divine Vocations, also known as the Vocationist Congregation, is a Religious Congregation of Priests, Brothers and Sisters founded by St. Justin Mary Russolillo (1891-1955) in Italy. The Vocationist Fathers and Brothers Congregation was first founded on October 18, 1920 while the Vocationist Sisters was founded on October 1, 1921. The Congregation has its motherhouse at Pianura in the district of Naples in Italy.  The Vocationist Congregation has its main charism as identifying and fostering vocations to priesthood and religious life, especially among the less privileged. The Vocationists work in Vocationaries (considered as their most characteristic work and most special and primary field of action), parishes, schools, and missions. The Society of Divine Vocation is a core religious institute of Pontifical Right. We live in communities and profess the three evangelical counsels of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Vocation is our business. God has specially called us...
13 comments
Read more

Why are Popes buried in three Coffins?

  Edited by Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV  The Popes are usually buried in three different coffins the question is why is it so? What is the significance of this tradition? Can it be changed?   The three coffins used for the internment of a Pope are as follows: A cypress coffin. The mortal remains of the Holy Father are placed inside this coffin. A copy of the program from the funeral Mass is placed in the innermost coffin made of cypress, as are bags of silver, gold, and copper coins. The number of coins in each bag equals the number of years of the papacy. The simple wooden coffin made of cypress signifies he is an ordinary human being like everyone else.  The coffin is sealed and wrapped with three silk ribbons before being placed in a lead casket. The picture below is the cypress coffin.  A lead casket -- The lead casket, which is soldered shut, is engraved with the pope's name and dates of his papacy, as well as a skull and crossbones. The lead coffin is mo...
Post a Comment
Read more