Traditionally, the cassock (aka soutane) is an outer garment used as streetwear. What’s worn under it are simply undergarments, lighter weight ones in warm climates or during summer, and heavier weight ones in cooler climates or during winter. In Rome, (and elsewhere, for that matter) many of those who habitually wear a soutane as streetwear still do so in the traditional manner. The same is true, BTW, of religious habits.
Trousers are the standard per the USCCB, tho a few wear bermudas under their cassocks. The collared shirt isn’t required, but is normative.
One has to keep in mind that some clergy insist on using the horrid semi-jebi (when they bother with a cassock at all) which is an ill-fitting (and I don’t care how expensive or “well tailored” it might be – both are relative in this case) “wrap-around” that has to be worn over other clothing lest the wearer be arrested for indecent exposure. Not so with a true Roman soutane, nor even with an “Anglican” soutane. In any case, in the US these days it is almost unheard for for a cassock to be worn as streetwear.
All right. However, honestly, if one chooses not to wear them, who will really notice? I just do not see why trousers should be worn over a robe(after all, “we” do not wear scholastic-like gowns, of the modern type, with full suits underneath like, say, Presbyterians).
Thank you.
Do a Google search on “Augustinians of the Assumption” and click the first link which should be the United States Region of the Assumptionists. On their website scroll down and click on the photo gallery which will be on the left hand column.
Thank you, Brother; I did not see that. From a few of the photographs, it appears that the Augustinian habit is being worn.
I believe they can be pretty hot in the warmer climes…but as one priest said the whole point is the turning away from the world and the diminishing of the self. When I was new to tradition and found skirts and hosiery a penance, hearing that put it all into perspective for me.
And do not forget that there is an indult for priests in hot climates to wear white cassocks(I know that that is not particularily important, though).I believe they can be pretty hot in the warmer climes…but as one priest said the whole point is the turning away from the world and the diminishing of the self. When I was new to tradition and found skirts and hosiery a penance, hearing that put it all into perspective for me.
It all depends on what is worn underneath it.I believe they can be pretty hot in the warmer climes…but as one priest said the whole point is the turning away from the world and the diminishing of the self. When I was new to tradition and found skirts and hosiery a penance, hearing that put it all into perspective for me.
No, it is a masculine garment! It would be like a lady wearing a kilt.
Clerical suits date back to the mid 19th century.
“Ferraiuolo” is a non common Italian word that refers to a winter cloak without sleeves for men. The origin of the name is disputed it could come from the Arabic “farragion” tunic, from “febbraio” (February) being the coldest month, from the German “feier-hull” (cloak for elegant party) etc.
I am grateful for the information, sir. As for cold weather, I think that it is more common(in relativity) for a priest to wear a greca.
You are correct for today’s attire, but a lot of these pieces of clothing started in the late 1700s and early 1800s and they followed the attire of the lay people (e.g. soutane). A greca or cappotto is just a name for an overcoat, not a special clerical grab.