Clerical Cassock: Evident Sign of Submission to Christ

 

Clerical Cassock: Evident Sign of Submission to Christ
by Sem. Rommel Angelo R. Licmoan

 

            Cassock day or Investiture day is one of the essential events that every seminarian cherishes in his seminary formation. It is the day when he makes his initial confirmation to God’s call; doing what is asked of him in the formation so that he may be a good pastor in the future. We know that cassock is full of symbolisms which makes it so beautiful in the eyes of the one who wears it. Traditionally, cassock is considered as a casual attire for clerics and seminarians, meaning it should be worn not only during Liturgical celebrations but also in their day to day living.

However, during 1960s, clerical shirts were made substitutes for the cassock. Followed by several revisions, the use of cassock was reduced to liturgical functions by many. Sadly, some priests and bishops use the cassock as a substitute for the Alb during Eucharistic celebrations which is inappropriate since the former is not a liturgical vestment and the purpose of amice is to cover the clerical attire before wearing the alb. Thus, if they wish to wear the cassock, they should don it under the Alb after the amice. Similarly, seminarians and servers should not wear their cassock without the cotta or surplice during liturgical celebrations.

            It makes me sad whenever I hear about clerics who abandon their cassock and encourage others to do the same because they reckon it as old fashioned and out of style. Seriously, they are missing the point. It is true that cassock was derived from the clothing of ancient Romans and Greeks worn by the lower class. Christ teaches us to be humble and simple - and so is the cassock, a symbol of simplicity and humility. Moreover, it has never been out of style if only the one wearing it is conformed to the Church and not to the passing world. Some, are afraid of the consequences of wearing the cassock, such as: being persecuted, cancelled, ridiculed, or killed especially in non-Christian places.

            And so I listed some 3 points for reflection which seminarians and clerics may consider and ponder upon:

1.      Belongingness to Jesus. From the very words of Bl. Rolando Rivi, a seminarian who was executed for wearing his cassock, “Io sono di Gesù” or I belong to Jesus. Rivi affirmed his belongingness to Christ by wearing his cassock even during summer and despite the persecution of Christians in his place. May clerics and seminarians wear the cassock as a devotion and a sign of their affirmation of belonging to Jesus whom we rightfully call our Lord and God. Wearing a cassock in a Christian country can be an occasion for a cleric or seminarian to fall to the temptation of pride and selfishness. Testified by many, wearing the cassock fascinates others and make the one who wears it feels like a celebrity which makes them want to wear it all the time. It is good to wear the cassock as much as possible but with the right intention. Imitating Blessed Rivi, one should wear the cassock with pride of being a servant of Christ that neither suffering nor death can change it.

 

2.      Cassock is a sign of Availability. Belonging to Christ means doing what he is asking of you. Sadly, nowadays it is nearly impossible to identify a priest from a crowd when you walk down the streets, malls, markets, and other public places outside the church walls. The reason behind is that even the priests themselves are wearing a secular clothing that sync them with the crowd which is a tactic used by some as a camouflage to do their personal ill-suited agenda. Wearing the clerical cassock in the public is a symbol of availability. It means that you are willing to be the mouth, hands, and feet of Jesus even outside the four corners of the church. Who knows if someone needs a priest to minister them a sacrament anytime you pass by a public place? Some are even delighted merely by seeing a priest, so you might not know that you’ve just made someone’s day by wearing your clerical attire in public. After all, cassock is also a work cloth, so why not wear your work uniform during work hours?

 

3.      Cassock is a Reminder. As we know and I have restated above, cassock is full of symbolisms. However, they are nothing but empty words if he who wears the garb disregards its meanings. Let it be said, that everytime you don your cassock you are reminded of your identity and your duty as seminarians and priests. May the cassock remind you of your vows and promises before God and the Church. Also, may the soutane remind you of your submission to Jesus the High Priest and your availability to work and serve the people of God.

 

Indeed, it takes a great courage to profess ones faith in public amidst criticisms and persecutions. However, the cassock means dying in oneself so that Christ may live in the one who wears it. Just as what the gospel of Matthew (10:28) says: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Henceforth, whenever we are weary, afraid, hopeless, in doubt, or even when we are tempted, let us wear our cassock and be reminded by this garment of salvation that “we belong to Jesus.” May we live out what is expected of us as priests and seminarians not only when we are in clerical attire, but every second of our life.