Hail, Mary!

I’ve been helping with the Sacristy at the SSPX mission here in the city I live in. The priest would like the vestments prepared in a certain way, for instance:

• The laces of the amice and the chasuble should form As and Ms for “Ave María”.
• The cincture should form an M for Mary.
• The alb should be folded by pinching two points on the back and bringing them up, so that the lower opening is exposed, and the priest can slide in easily. The sleeves are also folded in some particular way.

I wonder if there is some guide out there that explains step by step how to do this. I tried to find videos on YouTube, but everybody seems to set up the vestments in a different way. I am a little bit clumsy at folding and at making things look pretty, in general, so any help is appreciated.

EDIT: Please refrain from judging the priest. All those little rules just seem to be the usage at SSPX chapels or just what he learned at the seminary. He has never scolded me for getting it wrong or anything. I can tell you that he's not an excentric but if you don't want to take my word, just don't judge any priest out of fear of God.

I’m a fan of order, uniformity and symbolism. This resonates with me. However, that priest should show you precisely how it is done and allow you to record it for memory if necessary.

I’m a fan of order, uniformity and symbolism. This resonates with me. However, that priest should show you precisely how it is done and allow you to record it for memory if necessary.

I am too a fan of order, uniformity and symbolism. In fact, despising them is probably part of the reason why we are in the current situation in the Church. I believe all these little rules and details are essentially God-honoring, edifying and good, even if they can become the obsession of some eccentric individuals (something this priest is NOT).

The priest sent me some pictures, but they weren't very clear and if I'm folding clothes in a certain way I need to see the motions. He personally showed me how to do it a couple of times but since I get to practice only once a month when he visits, it is difficult for me to replicate the whole deal.

I don't know who produced this, but you may find it of help:



This list is from the SSPX confraternity of St. Stephen. I would just make note of the differences requested by the Priest that you are serving.

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This probably varies from one place to another, but what he described is a pretty common method in the United States.

I really had no idea that such a thing even existed.

Customs do have a weight, but it does sound eccentric to me to be so particular about something that has no rubrics or rigid rules.

We learn something new everyday.

Yes, this layout is taught at STAS.  I think it’s partly from piety and partly as a subtle mnemonic to make sure you don’t forget something.  If you’re going to lay them out, you might as well form some religious symbols with it.  But, yes, he should instruct you about how to do it and let you take video.