procedures and requirements to meet before one starts wearing the Cassock.

Normally, there are procedures and requirements to meet before one starts wearing the Cassock.

When I got admitted into the seminary, we went through a series of physical and mental evaluations comprising of thorough medical assessment, psychological assessment, and even our family medical histories were checked.

Then, there was the spiritual part. . .prayer, fasting, mediation, and discernment. There were days we spoke to no one, we spent time in silence and prayers. 

There was also the academic part. You must be above average at least.

During our investiture, the bishop came. It was a very special and solemn ceremony. The bishop prayed for us and blessed our vestments. 

For a seminarian, the proper vestment for mass is cassock, sash surplice, and biretta. (Though sash and Biretta are now almost optional or depending on congregation and dioceses.)

It took me the next eight years and some months before I was ordained a deacon. That eight years was no joke. A day in the seminary is like a thousand elsewhere. You can ask anyone in the seminary.

At every new office, an addition or a change of Vestment is made.

As a deacon, my liturgical vestment was Soutane (Cassocks), Amice, Alb, Cincture, Stole, and Dalmatic. (Deacon Stole is worn from left shoulder crossing through, while the dalmatic looks short in comparison to the Priest’s chasuble.)

Then after nine years of my studies, and having been found qualified by my superiors, I was ordained a priest. The way I wear my Stole changed. I no longer cross it one-sided. The Chasuble was added to my liturgical vestments as it replaces the Dalmatic.

To be a Bishop is another process. They do not just appoint you a Bishop randomly. You must be at least 35 years of age and have spent about 5 years as a priest. There are other requirements though. 

After one is ordained a bishop, there will be changes to the person's vestments and also lots of additions. His Sash, Cassock, and Birreta will change to purple. Then, there is the Crozier, Mitre, Skullcap, Bishop Ring, and Pectoral Cross.

Then, if he is made Archbishop, he adds yet another vestment called the Pallium.

The vestments priests and bishops wear are not for show; they have great significance. People should learn to respect this fact. 

I do not think I will go out to wear a lawyer's wig or a soldier's uniform and pose as a lawyer or soldier when I am not one. Well, unless it is a drama. . . even at that, there are some lines that should not be crossed.

Note: I took time to put this forth so you know. You may save the post or share it so as to have it handy on your timeline. You may need it one day.

📷I have tried to give some notes in each of the pictures below.

The End!

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