The coloured vestment people see during Mass is called a chasuble and is one of four vestments priests wear for mass. Three are put on before the chasuble:
The alb, a long white garment that flows from shoulders to ankles, and has long sleeves extending to the wrists. Its spiritual purpose reminds the priest of his baptism.
The cincture, a long thick cord with tassels at the ends that secures the alb around the waist as a symbol of the priest’s celibacy.
The stole, which is the symbol of the priest’s office, follows before the priest dons the chasuble.
The chasuble, the outer garment that reflects the liturgical season of the Church at that time and symbolises the yoke of Christ that a priest takes on and the seamless garment that Christ wore before his crucifixion.
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