Thursday 6 February 2020

To What Purpose Sacred Vestments?

Solemn Mass at the Abbey of 
Saint Madeleine, Le Barroux.
If we were to accept the notion that a priest is the "president of the christian assembly" then what he wears to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy would be merely an expression of his personality or tastes. The notion of presider is an entirely modern (and a protestant) concept. A priest, bishop or Pope celebrates the Sacred Mysteries. In the East, the term used is to serve.

Because the celebrant is least of all a "presider", what he wears during the Sacred Liturgy should not essentially be about his own preferences and personality.  The most important view of the vestments is not that of one looking in the mirror. 

Might the celebrant ask of himself :

Is what I am wearing worthy of my ministry standing between God and man to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy?

Will what I am wearing draw those who look upon me during Mass into a closer appreciation of the Sacred Mysteries, in other words, will it raise their hearts and minds to God?

Or will it act as a distraction - for various reasons - to the Faithful attending Mass?