HABIT, RELIGIOUS.
The distinctive garb of a man or woman religious, its use dating back to the beginnings of monasticism. The habit was prescribed for religious by the Second Vatican Council: "The religious habit, an outward mark of consecration to God, should be simple and modest, poor and at the same time becoming. In addition, it must meet the requirements of health and be suited to the circumstances of time and place and to the needs of the ministry involved" (Perfectae Caritatis, 17).
Unfortunately, the description in Perfectae Caritatis which perfectly fit the habits existing at the time, was immediately taken to allow the destruction of the habit. I remember a time shortly after the Council. I was at a party with a Catholic friend whilst I was still an Anglican. I was a young man with an eye for an good looking woman. I saw an attractive young woman and prepared to walk over and chat her up. I turned to my friend and asked who she was. Her reply?
'Oh, that's Sister X. She teaches in our parish school!' Sister's 'habit' consisted of a lapel pin on an otherwise modish, attractive outfit!
I have been extremely pleased to see a return to traditional habits among many orders. Now, bring back the cassock and biretta for secular priests!
Also, as an aside, even Tertiaries wear a habit. As a Tertiary of Mount Carmel, the habit I wear (under my clothing) is a scapular approximately 15 cm x 20 cm. It can be plain brown cloth, but the one I have was made by a friend and it has a Jerusalem Cross on the front panel and the coat of arms of the Order of Carmel on the back.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.