Can I wear albs (or something similar) in my daily life?

[poptown]

Thank all of you for your wonderful comments! I think I can draw some conclusions right now.

First, albs are for all the baptized, but they should be only used during liturgy. Surplice is mainly for alter servers and choirs.

Second, wearing clothes that makes lay people similar to religious and priests may be confusing and even disrespectful.

Third, non-Catholics may not like it or even find it hostile.

Forth, it is true that how we act and what we speak matter the most, but it does not mean that clothing should not be taken into consideration. How Catholics dress is not merely of custom; it is a part of one’s identity, values, charism, etc.

Fifth, though we can wear a cross, medal, and/or a scapular which is great, they really can’t cover the unique and important role the clothing plays. Needless to say, many Christians today wear crosses yet the way they dress is tragically contrary to Christian values.

So I will probably find some clothing that is not clerical yet not totally secular either, maybe something as long as a robe, totally in either white or black

 

[OraLabora]

The objection is that it is just plain wierd to walk around at the grocery store or go to a business meeting in an alb.

If you walk around in a alb then you really can’t complain that the security guards at the mall are following you around and shouldn’t wonder why no one in your neighborhood wants to talk with you or come to your backyard cookout.

Some guy wearing an alb to McDonands to draw attention to his Catholicsm isn’t doing anything to attract people to Catholicism either. Everyone will probably think he is some kind of Islamic guy anyway.

-Tim-

That would indeed catch unwanted attention.

I’m of the “let your behaviour be the exterior manifestation of your faith” school when it comes to being in public. However I’ve often toyed with the idea of some sort of liturgical vestment that the laity can wear. I pray the LOTH daily and I do so fairly formally in my small oratory (chant, etc.), so I thought of an alb or an oblate’s shirt with cowl (some monasteries have them for oblates; ours doesn’t), for recitation of the Office. But I haven’t bothered. In winter I wear a polar fleece vest which I sort of think of as my scapular

In summer, it gets pretty hot in my oratory so I often recite the LOTH outside on the balcony, more often than not in shorts and a t-shirt!

 

[Cat]

Thank all of you for your wonderful comments! I think I can draw some conclusions right now.

First, albs are for all the baptized, but they should be only used during liturgy. Surplice is mainly for alter servers and choirs.

Second, wearing clothes that makes lay people similar to religious and priests may be confusing and even disrespectful.

Third, non-Catholics may not like it or even find it hostile.

Forth, it is true that how we act and what we speak matter the most, but it does not mean that clothing should not be taken into consideration. How Catholics dress is not merely of custom; it is a part of one’s identity, values, charism, etc.

Fifth, though we can wear a cross, medal, and/or a scapular which is great, they really can’t cover the unique and important role the clothing plays. Needless to say, many Christians today wear crosses yet the way they dress is tragically contrary to Christian values.

So I will probably find some clothing that is not clerical yet not totally secular either, maybe something as long as a robe, totally in either white or black

You sound like you have a lovely, sincere attitude.

I agree with others who say that it’s easy to put on a piece of clothing or some other external indication of our faith. I’ll be 56 years old in a few weeks, and I can say that it is much more difficult to put on Christ and live according to the Beatitudes, the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments, and also the Precepts of the Catholic Church.

One comment–a lot of the public reaction to clothing depends on where you live. If you live in a big city here in the U.S., especially on the West Coast, but also New York or Chicago, you will not attract any attention by wearing an ensemble that is not the “norm.” Lots of different people of different ethnic backgrounds and religions live in the metropolitan areas, and no one pays the slighest attention when someone dresses a little different or wears jewelry or some other indication of their religion (e.g., the Sikhs wear turbans). Many of the artistic types in the big cities are very creative in their clothing and accessories. And some of the African Americans have adapted a more “African” style of dress; I’ve seen the men wearing longer robe-like articles of clothing. (I am a woman, and I love it when the African American women “dress up” in African apparel! So beautiful!) Some of the various Asian groups also have men’s apparel that looks like a long robe.

Even if you lived in our small city, most of us would not pay much attention to you because we have a very diverse population (we are close to Chicago).

One more comment–if you are a man, and you are reasonably attractive, wearing a “different” type of clothing may attract the interest of women. We women tend to be attracted to men who appear unattainable. (There are women who “fall in love” with their priests or with monks–a lot of novels and movies have been done with this plotline). We women tend to think that men who dress with a different style are “cute.” So be careful–you may actually end up with more attention from the opposite sex than if you just wear something normal that attracts no attention at all.

So again, I think that in the United States, the best way to give honor to Christ is to glorify Him and obey His commandments. THAT will attract attention and in some cases, a type of persecution and shunning.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Thank all of you for your wonderful comments! I think I can draw some conclusions right now.

First, albs are for all the baptized, but they should be only used during liturgy. Surplice is mainly for alter servers and choirs.

Second, wearing clothes that makes lay people similar to religious and priests may be confusing and even disrespectful.

Third, non-Catholics may not like it or even find it hostile.

Forth, it is true that how we act and what we speak matter the most, but it does not mean that clothing should not be taken into consideration. How Catholics dress is not merely of custom; it is a part of one’s identity, values, charism, etc.

Fifth, though we can wear a cross, medal, and/or a scapular which is great, they really can’t cover the unique and important role the clothing plays. Needless to say, many Christians today wear crosses yet the way they dress is tragically contrary to Christian values.

So I will probably find some clothing that is not clerical yet not totally secular either, maybe something as long as a robe, totally in either white or black

Here’s an article I read years ago about this very topic. domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19980701/ARTICLES/DRESSES.HTM

Note that the author no longer dresses this way for a variety of reasons - one of which that she found it was just calling too much attention to her and interfering with her ability to witness appropriately to people.

 

[poptown]

One more comment–if you are a man, and you are reasonably attractive, wearing a “different” type of clothing may attract the interest of women. We women tend to be attracted to men who appear unattainable. (There are women who “fall in love” with their priests or with monks–a lot of novels and movies have been done with this plotline). We women tend to think that men who dress with a different style are “cute.” So be careful–you may actually end up with more attention from the opposite sex than if you just wear something normal that attracts no attention at all.

Thank you so much! I am a young college man, and I still haven’t dated any women yet, so what you said is very important for me.

 

[MrsLilreader]

What about John Michael talbot? I just heard some of his music last week for the first time. Doesn’t he wear a brown robe in his daily life?

 

[1ke]

]]
One more comment–if you are a man, and you are reasonably attractive, wearing a “different” type of clothing may attract the interest of women. We women tend to be attracted to men who appear unattainable. (There are women who “fall in love” with their priests or with monks–a lot of novels and movies have been done with this plotline). We women tend to think that men who dress with a different style are “cute.” So be careful–you may actually end up with more attention from the opposite sex than if you just wear something normal that attracts no attention at all.

Frankly, I could not disagree more with this paragraph.

This particular member of “WE” women does not find this attractive or cute, I find it odd at best.

 

[LINVS]

I don’t think there any church laws preventing you from wearing an alb. I don’t think laymen have ever worn albs as a statement of their Catholic faith. Albs probably come from Roman times when everyone Christian or not wore them. Now you want to wear it daily and everywhere? I think you might get confused with zealous Muslims who wear those white gowns and caps with their long beards.

How about just wearing clean, neat, and modest clothes as a testament of your Christian faith? Mormans seem to have a good handle on wearing clothes that reflect a love and reverence of Christ to non Christians. In Modern Day America, a layman’s habit is a long sleeve collared shirt and slacks. Dress shoes and a short hair cut are included.

 

[Aran_Houlihan]

when the priest puts the alb on it symbolizes the innocence and purity that should adorn the soul of the priest who ascends the altar this is why the color white is ued

 

[Aran_Houlihan]

when the priest puts the alb on it symbolizes the innocence and purity that should adorn the soul of the priest who ascends the altar this is why the color white is used

 

[CB_Catholic]

If you start wearing an alb for everyday wear, I highly doubt you will be giving any sort of witness to your being Catholic. People won’t know what to think, because Catholic laypeople have not traditionally dressed in religious garb for everyday wear, esp. in this country. It is more likely you will be confused with being of another religion, or a member of a religious order, or even not in your right mind (depending on where you live). Also, the Catholic tradition is not to call undue attention to ourselves–you would be doing that in this country.

It is better to just dress modestly and normally and wear a crucifix or medal, and let your witness be in your demeanor and behavior.

 

[OraLabora]

If you start wearing an alb for everyday wear, I highly doubt you will be giving any sort of witness to your being Catholic. People won’t know what to think, because Catholic laypeople have not traditionally dressed in religious garb for everyday wear, esp. in this country. It is more likely you will be confused with being of another religion, or a member of a religious order, or even not in your right mind (depending on where you live). Also, the Catholic tradition is not to call undue attention to ourselves–you would be doing that in this country.

It is better to just dress modestly and normally and wear a crucifix or medal, and let your witness be in your demeanor and behavior.

I have heard of people wearing one for prayer or liturgy within their homes, for instance reciting the Liturgy of the Hours or Rosary. I’ve often thought of it; in the Jewish tradition a prayer shawl is worn. I also work from home a couple of days a week when I’m at home alone plus I live in the country so people can’t really see into my house, so I could probably “get away” with it without people thinking I’m a nutbar or part of some cult

But at the end of the day, I don’t think it really matters unless one participates in public liturgy in public. (the Liturgy of the Hours is “public” liturgy even if recited in private).

 

[marver]

I am a Benedictine Nun. Lay people should not wear habits but rather dress modestly in lay clothing. Loose clothing, always below knees, sleeves on shirts, no low necklines or muscleshirts, etc. The reason lay people should not wear habits is because it is reserved for those who have that calling and who have the formation to act and think accordingly, It gives a bad reputation to all Religious and the Church when someone dresses in a habit and does not act and think accordingly. Such people may be really good people and it wont be scandalous or really bad actions or words but it doesn’t take big things to give people a bad impression and hurt the good name of the Church and Religious. God Bless!

 

[DebChris]

If you start wearing an alb for everyday wear, I highly doubt you will be giving any sort of witness to your being Catholic. People won’t know what to think, because Catholic laypeople have not traditionally dressed in religious garb for everyday wear, esp. in this country. It is more likely you will be confused with being of another religion, or a member of a religious order, or even not in your right mind (depending on where you live). Also, the Catholic tradition is not to call undue attention to ourselves–you would be doing that in this country.

It is better to just dress modestly and normally and wear a crucifix or medal, and let your witness be in your demeanor and behavior.

I am a Benedictine Nun. Lay people should not wear habits but rather dress modestly in lay clothing. Loose clothing, always below knees, sleeves on shirts, no low necklines or muscleshirts, etc. The reason lay people should not wear habits is because it is reserved for those who have that calling and who have the formation to act and think accordingly, It gives a bad reputation to all Religious and the Church when someone dresses in a habit and does not act and think accordingly. Such people may be really good people and it wont be scandalous or really bad actions or words but it doesn’t take big things to give people a bad impression and hurt the good name of the Church and Religious. God Bless!

There is nothing that keeps you from having a very simple wardrobe. Instead of purchasing a “religious habit” continue to wear modest secular clothing. There is no need for an extensive wardrobe. Choose a basic items (slacks, shirts, sweaters,etc.) in neutral colors that meet the needs of your workplace and other activities of your life.
As others have mentioned, you can augment this with a simple crucifix or other symbol of your religious faith. When I worked in a factory, I wore jeans, a T-shirt, and a small pewter crucifix. Your “demeanor and behavior” are your best witness.

 

[TimothyH]

That would indeed catch unwanted attention.

I’m of the “let your behaviour be the exterior manifestation of your faith” school when it comes to being in public. However I’ve often toyed with the idea of some sort of liturgical vestment that the laity can wear. I pray the LOTH daily and I do so fairly formally in my small oratory (chant, etc.), so I thought of an alb or an oblate’s shirt with cowl (some monasteries have them for oblates; ours doesn’t), for recitation of the Office. But I haven’t bothered. In winter I wear a polar fleece vest which I sort of think of as my scapular

In summer, it gets pretty hot in my oratory so I often recite the LOTH outside on the balcony, more often than not in shorts and a t-shirt!

I’m sorry I missed this. I see what you are saying.

I wear cassock/surplice when I altar serve, a suit and tie when I am a reader, so I see what you are saying. I know you have an oratory. You posted pictures of it once, right?

It might be nice to put on something during the LoTH. That is something I havn’t thought of.

-Tim-

 

[OraLabora]

I’m sorry I missed this. I see what you are saying.

I wear cassock/surplice when I altar serve, a suit and tie when I am a reader, so I see what you are saying. I know you have an oratory. You posted pictures of it once, right?

It might be nice to put on something during the LoTH. That is something I havn’t thought of.

-Tim-

Yes, that’s correct:

i179.photobucket.com/albums/w312/OraLabora/OratoryMidDayPrayer.jpg

It helps create a sense of detachment when praying. I expect some kind of garment could add to that, but it has to be something proper to laity or oblates. Claustral oblates wear a simplified monastic habit (usually with a shorter scapular), and some monasteries have a short oblate tunic/shirt with a hood for exterior oblates (looks vaguely like a hoodie…). The latter would be OK for every day wear actually.

I like also the idea of simplifying one’s wardrobe. A couple of pairs of identical winter trousers and shirts, and lighter ones for summer, and maybe shorts and a polo or two as leisure wear. One dress shirt, jacket, tie and dress pants for formal occasions perhaps. One’s “habit” could be be the simplicity of one’s wardrobe to foster detachment from the whims of fashion.

 

[DebChris]

Yes, that’s correct:

i179.photobucket.com/albums/w312/OraLabora/OratoryMidDayPrayer.jpg

It helps create a sense of detachment when praying. I expect some kind of garment could add to that, but it has to be something proper to laity or oblates. Claustral oblates wear a simplified monastic habit (usually with a shorter scapular), and some monasteries have a short oblate tunic/shirt with a hood for exterior oblates (looks vaguely like a hoodie…). The latter would be OK for every day wear actually.

I like also the idea of simplifying one’s wardrobe. A couple of pairs of identical winter trousers and shirts, and lighter ones for summer, and maybe shorts and a polo or two as leisure wear. One dress shirt, jacket, tie and dress pants for formal occasions perhaps. One’s “habit” could be be the simplicity of one’s wardrobe to foster detachment from the whims of fashion.

This is what I what I was trying to say in my earlier post. A lay person could develop their own “habit” according to the life that that they live. It would not necessarily been seen by others as a habit, just a stream downed wardrobe.

 

[Fairwinds]

Thank you so much! I am a young college man, and I still haven’t dated any women yet, so what you said is very important for me.

[re odd dress as attractive to women]

Speaking as the head of a middle/professional class American family, politically and religiously conservative, if someone showed up at my door to pick up my daughter for a date, and he was wearing an alb, we’d have a short talk, and you’d go home alone.

Honestly, its bizarre to the point where I’d assume a lack of common sense and discernment and not something I’d want my daughter exposed to.

F.

 

[Benedikt]

You can wear a brown scapular, it is a minature version of the habit that can be worm by lay people around the neck, and also comes with many graces

 

[DebChris]

I have been trying to remember the name of the author since this thread began who described her daughter’s wardrobe as that of a nun’s. The only clothing her daughter had was a few pair of black slacks and white blouses. It was her “habit.”
What we see as monks’ clothing and the habits that sisters wear would have been the daily attire attire of the common person when many orders were originally established. Over the centuries, clothing styles have changed. While it might be inappropriate to walk around in Western society wearing a robe, that doesn’t mean a person cannot choose a simplistic wardrobe in keeping with his or her lifestyle.
Also check various lay communities that may share a modified version of the habit of the religious community with which they are associated.