Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Sacred: Catholic Liturgy, Chant, Prayers => Topic started by: Dolores on November 20, 2025, 03:34:30 PM
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Why does a priest sometimes wear his stole crossed over his chest (like during Mass), but other times wears it hanging down like a bishop (like during Confession)?
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;)I had to look it up
Why the Position Changes
- Crossed Stole (Mass)
- Traditionally, when a priest vests for Mass, he crosses the stole over his chest and secures it with the cincture.
- This crossing symbolizes humility and the burden of Christ’s yoke.
- It also distinguishes the priest’s role at the altar from other sacramental functions.
- Hanging Straight Down (Confession, Sacraments outside Mass)
- When hearing Confession, the stole hangs straight down over the shoulders.
- This form emphasizes the priest’s direct authority to forgive sins in Christ’s name.
- It is also the common way to wear the stole when administering sacraments outside of Mass (e.g., Baptism, Anointing of the Sick)
-
;)I had to look it up
Why the Position Changes
- Crossed Stole (Mass)
- Traditionally, when a priest vests for Mass, he crosses the stole over his chest and secures it with the cincture.
- This crossing symbolizes humility and the burden of Christ’s yoke.
- It also distinguishes the priest’s role at the altar from other sacramental functions.
- Hanging Straight Down (Confession, Sacraments outside Mass)
- When hearing Confession, the stole hangs straight down over the shoulders.
- This form emphasizes the priest’s direct authority to forgive sins in Christ’s name.
- It is also the common way to wear the stole when administering sacraments outside of Mass (e.g., Baptism, Anointing of the Sick)
Thank you! This is one of those questions I have from time to time, but don’t remember to ask when the priest is present, or it’s not an appropriate occasion.