Holding priest's sleeves while incensing

[Sherlock]

Hello all,

I brought a Protestant friend with me to Mass a few weks ago. During the Mass, two deacons held the sleeves of the priest while he incensed the altar. My friend asked me why that was done, and although I’ve seen this many times I have to admit I hadn’t ever thought about it and didn’t know how to answer. Can anyone help me out?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Strictly practicality. They hold the garment away from his arms to give him freedom of movement. In the absence of a deacon the altar server would do it. Frequently there is only one server who holds the garment on the right to free that arm.

 

[DominvsVobiscvm]

Really, the gesture is an obsolete one, but it’s very traditional.

It’s done because the vestments used to be so bulky and flowing that it was impossible for the priest to incense unless he had someone holding the vestment for him.

Traditionally, the “sleeves” are always held, no matter what type of vestment is worn, in remembrance of the days when this was an actual necessity.

It’s the same reason why a deacon and/or server traditionally lifts up the back of the vestment while the priest elevates the host and chalice.