What is the little hanging cloth from priest's arm that they wore years ago?

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lak611

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I have seen photographs of priests taken years ago, and the priests always had a little hanging cloth on their forearm when they said Mass. What was it called, what was it used for, when and why did they stop wearing it?
 
They havent stopped wearing it…

www.fssp.org - look at the pictures 🙂 It is still used in the Old Rite, however, i dont know why it was taken from the Novus Ordo ruberics. Probably pointless removal like many things.
 
That would be a maniple. It’s my understnading that its origin evolved from what used to be a purificator (the white linen used to cleanse vessels and wipe the rim of the chalice) that hung over the priests arm. Maniples started evolving and did not always evade the poor design of vestments in the early 60’s. Some became rather long, and I have heard stories of them knocking over chalices. This all said, I don’t know exactly what the reason was for its supression, or that it has been supressed. I just know that its not required.

Pax Domin,

Casey the Seminarian
 
It is called a Maniple. It was originally a handkerchief and developed into a kind of rank insigtnia among Roman authority figures. Priests used to wear them on the left arm. After Vatican II there was a general simplification in liturgical dress by the Priests. If you have ever seen pre Vatican II chasubles compared to post Vatican II chasubles you will see what I mean. The Maniple was made optional and since many Priests didn’t really see a need for them they fell into disuse, although as far as I know they are still legal and can be worn

They are still worn in Indult Masses. Most of the Priests in those also still wear the Biretta, another item that was made optional after Vatican II and these days usually only worn by Cardinals.
 
Ok, I have seen the pictures and I can understand how it could get in the way. Besides knocking over the chalice, it looks like it could fall into the chalice.
 
Actually, Cardinal Arinze one said in response to a question on the maniple in the Novus Ordo: “There is no reason why the maniple cannot be worn”.
 
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