History & Traditions
Via Crucis Meaning: The Way of the Cross Explained
Via Crucis means “Way of the Cross.” Learn the history, the 14 stations, how the devotion is prayed, and why it is centr...
History & Traditions
Historical context for liturgical practices and sacred objects
History & Traditions
History & Traditions
Nativity Chasuble Symbols: Star of Bethlehem, Magi, and Manger
What the star, the Magi, and the manger mean on a Christmas chasuble — and how to read the embroidery at Mass.
History & Traditions
What Is a Patron Saint Stole?
A patron saint stole is a priest stole with the image of a canonized saint, worn on the saint's feast day, at a parish p...
History & Traditions
Saint Symbols on Vestments: How to Read the Image
Keys, sword, lily, stigmata: the attributes embroidered on a stole identify the saint. Learn the most common symbols on...
History & Traditions
What Does the Deacon Stole Symbolize? Meaning and History
The deacon stole is a sign of ordination and service. Here is what the diagonal position, the word diakonos, and the mom...
History & Traditions
Catholic vs. Orthodox Chalice Veil: What’s the Difference?
Catholic chalice veils and Orthodox aer and diskos veils serve different rites. Compare their names, shapes, use, and sy...
History & Traditions
The Hooded Alb (Capuche): History, Meaning, and When to Wear It
Vestment catalogs call it the capuche — the hooded alb. Learn where the hood comes from, why parishes choose it for serv...
History & Traditions
What Is Viaticum? The Church\u2019s Final Communion
Viaticum - the Church\u2019s final Communion - is \u201cfood for the journey\u201d given to the dying. Learn the meaning...
History & Traditions
Gothic vs Roman Dalmatics: Which Style Should Your Parish Choose?
Gothic dalmatics carry a Y-shaped orphrey and a hood-like fold; Roman dalmatics a straight cross and simpler lines. Styl...
History & Traditions
Marian Symbols on Vestments: Roses, Lilies, Stars and Monograms
The Litany of Loreto worked in thread: the Immaculate Heart, the AM monogram, roses and lilies, the crown of twelve star...
History & Traditions
Our Lady Under Many Titles: Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima and More
One Mother, many titles: Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, La Salette, Perpetual Help, Częstochowa, the Gate of Dawn, the Rosa...
History & Traditions
Cross vs Crucifix: What's the Difference?
A cross is the shape; a crucifix is a cross that carries the corpus of Christ. Here is the difference, where each is use...
