WA S H I NG O F T H E H A N D S
Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam; ut sine pollutione mentis et
corporis valeam tibi servire.
Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, to wipe away every stain, that I may be able to serve Thee
without defilement of mind or body.
In the pew: Take holy water at the door with this same intention, and make a brief act of contrition,
asking to be cleansed of venial sins before the holy Sacrifice.
T H E AMI C E
Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus.
Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, to repel the assaults of the devil.
In the pew: The amice, a linen cloth about the neck and shoulders, recalls the “helmet of salvation”
(Ephesians 6:17). Ask God to guard your mind from distractions and wandering thoughts during
Mass.
T H E A L B
Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruar
sempiternis.
Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my heart, that being made white in the Blood of the
Lamb, I may enjoy eternal delights.
In the pew: The white alb recalls the baptismal robe. Renew your baptismal promises and ask for
purity of heart, that you may be fit to receive the Lamb of God.
T H E C I NC T U R E
Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat
in me virtus continentiae et castitatis.
Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity, and quench in me the fire of concupiscence, that
the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me.
In the pew: The cord tied about the waist signifies self-control. Ask for mastery over your passions
and the grace of chastity according to your state of life.
T H E MA N I P L E
Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.
May I deserve, O Lord, to bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow, that I may receive with
rejoicing the reward of my labor.
In the pew: The maniple, a small band worn on the left arm, was once a cloth for wiping away sweat
and tears. Bring your labors and sorrows of the week to place them on the altar with Christ’s.
T H E S T O L E
Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: et,
quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum mysterium, merear tamen gaudium sempiternum.
Restore to me, O Lord, the stole of immortality which I lost through the transgression of
our first parent; and although I am unworthy to approach Thy sacred mystery, may I nevertheless
merit eternal joy.
In the pew: The stole is the sign of priestly authority. Pray for the priest who is about to offer the
Mass, for all priests, and for vocations, and acknowledge your own unworthiness to approach so
great a mystery.
T H E C H A S U B L E
Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meum suave est, et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic valeam,
quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen.
O Lord, who hast said, “My yoke is sweet and My burden light,” grant that I may so carry it
as to obtain Thy grace. Amen.
In the pew: The chasuble, the outermost vestment, signifies charity, which covers all the other virtues,
and the yoke of Christ. Accept the duties of your state in life as His yoke, and make your intention
for this Mass.
When the priest comes out, preceded by the server, the faithful rise. At the foot of the altar he begins
with the psalm Judica me and the words Introibo ad altare Dei, “I will go in unto the altar of
God,” and the server answers for the people, “To God, who giveth joy to my youth.” From this
moment the faithful follow the Mass with their missals or by their own prayers, joining their intentions
to the four ends of the Sacrifice.