vesting prayers (for priests)

“The vestment common to ministers of every rank is the alb, tied at the waist with the cincture, unless it is made to fit without a cincture. An amice should be put on first if the alb does not completely cover the street clothing at the neck. Unless otherwise indicated, the chasuble, worn over the alb and stole, is the vestment proper to the priest celebrant at Mass and other rites immediately connected with Mass.”¹

The saying of the following is suggested.

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, Dómine, virtútem mánibus meis ad abstergéndam omnem máculam; ut sine pollutióne mentis et córporis váleam tibi servíre.

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.

Impóne, Dómine, cápiti meo gáleam salútis, ad expugnándos diabólicos incúrsus.

The alb, a white linen 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.

Deálba me, Dómine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sánguine Agni dealbátus gáudiis pérfruar sempitérnis.

The cincture, a cord which fastens the alb at the waist, stands for 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.

Præcínge me, Dómine cíngulo puritátis, et extíngue in lumbis meis humórem libídinis; ut máneat in me virtus continéntiæ et castitátis.

The stole, the long silk 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, Dómine, stolam immortalitátis, quam pérdidi in prævaricatióne primi paréntis: et, quamvis indígnus accédo ad tuum sacrum mystérium, mérear tamen gáudium sempitérnum.

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.

Dómine, qui dixísti: Iugum meum suáve est et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portáre sic váleam, quod cónsequar tuam grátiam. Amen.

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