(Latin: casula, little house)
The principal Mass vestment, covering all the rest. It is made of silk, or other material such as velvet or cloth of gold, usually embroidered, and hangs from shoulders to knees, front and back, with an opening for the head. It may be Gothic in form, draping over the shoulders; or Roman, front and back amply broad, simply hanging from them so as to leave the arms free. It is a symbol of the yoke of Christ, and as the bishop says, when investing the newly ordained, it signifies charity. Putting it on the priest says:
"Lord, who didst say, My yoke is sweet and My burden light, grant that I may so bear it as to obtain Thy grace."
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