On two blogs I have seen mention of the Maniple. Apparently there is an article on Zenit explaining that is was not "abrogated" and, in the Ordinary Rite of Mass, is "optional". This is certainly news to me. Coincidentally I was thinking only today, whilst vesting for Mass, and thinking about the old vesting prayers, how sad it is that we (most priests) no longer wear amices. The amice prayer is not only beautiful, but (I would say) necessary. The same could be said about the prayer for the cincture. The Holy Father has asked priests to consider using the vesting prayers (a modern set excludes the maniple). Of course, if we are going to use these prayers, it makes sense to wear those symbolic bits and pieces. Personally, I would be glad to see the maniple returned because it speaks of the struggles, sufferings and fruit of the priestly ministry. To wear the maniple, knowing what it symbolises, can only be encouraging, and it is true that I find it so when celebrating the Old Rite.
There is more to be said on this subject, but I need to think around it a bit more.
Thanx for this.
ReplyDeleteIt would be helpful if on Sundays the priest explained why he wears vestments of different colours; and what they mean.
God bless.
I've seen a lot of priests, in different places, wearing amices. (I've also seen a lot not wearing them, mind you.)
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