Why does the priest wear white at Easter, red at Pentecost, violet in Lent, and green through Ordinary Time? The vestments and their colors carry a meaning that reaches back to the priesthood of Aaron.
Sacred Vestments and Liturgical Colors: Their Meaning at Mass
The Roman Missal teaches that the "diversity of offices is shown outwardly by the diversity of sacred vestments" (GIRM 335), and assigns each liturgical color its season: white for Easter and Christmas, red for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost, green for Ordinary Time, violet for Advent and Lent, rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sundays (GIRM 345–346). Dr. Pitre roots the vestments in the "sacred vestments" God commands for Aaron "for glory and beauty" (Exodus 28) and in the priestly robe and golden sash of Christ the High Priest in Revelation 1. The session follows the tradition — Pope Stephen I, Walahfrid Strabo, Hrabanus Maurus — and lays out Pope Innocent III's classic account of what each color of vestment means.
Key passages & sources examined: Exodus 28:1-5, 36-43; Psalm 96:8-9; Revelation 1:12-18; Revelation 4:1-4; GIRM 335–347; Pope Stephen I (Liber Pontificalis); Celestine I; Walahfrid Strabo; Pope Leo IV; Hrabanus Maurus, On the Formation of Clergy; Honorius of Autun; Pope Innocent III, Mysteries of the Mass; Roman vesting prayers (Daily Roman Missal)
What do the liturgical colors mean? Each color marks a season or feast: white for joy and glory, red for the Passion and the Holy Spirit, violet for penance, green for Ordinary Time, rose for Gaudete and Laetare. Dr. Pitre presents Pope Innocent III's account of their symbolism.
What are the Jewish roots of Catholic vestments? The study guide points to the "sacred vestments" made for Aaron in Exodus 28 "for glory and beauty." The session draws the parallels to today's vestments.
Why do priests wear vestments? Vestments outwardly show the diversity of sacred office and adorn the sacred action (GIRM 335). Dr. Pitre traces their biblical and historical development.
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Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Membership' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Mass Readings Explained' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
I love getting the mass readings/readings explained, every week. Dr Brandt Petrie it’s truly amazing in his knowledge of the Old Testament and the New Testament.!
I’ve subscribed for many years and have shared Brant Pitre’s excellent work as gifts to friends and colleagues around the world. Keep up the good work. Team!
