Understanding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

[Sadly, many Catholics no longer know which of the following vestments our priests are required to wear while celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and what each vestment symbolizes. The following synopsis of this information will aid us in better understanding Who is present at and What is really happening at the Mass.]

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The vestments worn by the priest have the following symbolic meanings: the amice symbolizes the linen cloth that the soldiers put over our Lord’s head to blindfold him before they struck him; the alb is the garment which Herod clothed our Lord; the cincture is the cord that bound our Lord to the pillar when he was being scourged; the maniple represents the rope whereby our Lord was led and the chains which bound His Sacred hands; the stole is the cords with  which Jesus was tied and because it is worn over the shoulders, a reminder of the cross which our Lord carried; and the chasuble is the purple cloak which our Lord wore when He stood before Pilate. 

Father Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.

The Heart of Jesus

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"If the human heart represents an unfathomable mystery that only God knows, how much more sublime is the Heart of Jesus, in which the life of the Word itself beats. In it, as suggested by the beautiful Litanies of the Sacred Heart that echo the Scriptures, are found all the treasures of wisdom and science and all the fullness of divinity…How necessary for contemporary humanity is the message that flows from contemplation of the heart of Christ. Where, indeed, if not from that source, will it be able to attain the reserves of meekness and forgiveness necessary to heal the bitter conflicts that bloody it?"

Saint John Paul II

 [The quotations appearing on this blog each week are excerpted from my book,  Forgotten Truths to Set Faith Afire! - Word to Challenge Inspire, and Instruct.]

Upon Being Tempted...

When we find ourselves tempted to commit any sin, if we would think that God beholds us and that He is present within us, we should never consent to anything that was displeasing to Him. 

St. Jerome