Friday, March 22, 2013

A Clergy Robe Has Special Meaning

By Christi Larsen


What is the importance of the clergy robe. Most religious orders use them, but they are different. Depending on the denomination determines what type of robe or robes they wear.

In the Catholic religion, they refer to their scared garments as vestments. It comes from the Latin, which means clothing. They are considered extremely special. These garments are blessed.

The Catholic Church does this to help the congregation view what is happening as a very special event. They also, want to encourage them to take the rituals seriously. However, the clothing that a priest wears on the street is not the same as what is worn in service.

The traditional garments were worn by the ancient Romans, and they have never changed the style, even up to this day. They still wear the exact same style as they did then.

As the priest prepare to say Mass, the garments are put on in a special order. The priest has to wash his hand first. Then, the alb, which is a long white robe is put on the individual. This garment is indicates purity.

Next, the stole is placed around the neck of the priest. This piece of clothing is symbolic of the yoke of Jesus Christ. It also, has a meaning of immortality. The chasuble goes on last and it is a reminder of Christ yoke and charity.

Robes are not new because in the earliest times of Christianity most of the population wore robes. In fact, Christian leaders were not recognized by what they wore. They were well known by what they said.

However, as time went by those who were followers started recognizing them as leaders and the clothing that they wore became sacred. They came to see them as having a special calling on their lives.

People view the clothing they wear as direct representation of the calling of God in life of the pastor. It serves as a reminder that this individual has chosen to do those things that keep people in remembrance of God.

The hope is that as a result of wearing special clothing, they will not be influenced by the outside world. In fact, many of them take vows to keep them focused on the things involved in the church.

Manufacturing these garments is a very large industry. Special attention is paid to the type and quality material used to make them. They take the time to ensure that the finished product is of the highest standard.

It does not matter if it is a robe for a Catholic priest, or for a pastor, the same care is taken to ensure that they stand representing the calling on their lives. All denominations consider the clothing scared when they put them on.

This is just some of the types of clergy robes. There are other items and they are worn according to rank and position. However, the primary reason for this special clothing is to show that this individual serves God.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment