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White - the symbol of innocence and triumph (Apoc. 3, 5 ). It is used on all feasts of the joyful and glorious mysteries of our Lord’s life (e.g. Christmas and Easter ), on the feasts
of our Blessed Mother, on the feasts of angels and of all saints who were not martyrs.
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Red - the color of blood, is used on all feasts of our
Lord’s Cross and Passion, on the feasts of the Apostles and of all martyrs. Red is also
used on Pentecost and in Masses of the Holy Spirit, in memory of the tongues of fire
of the First Pentecost.
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Purple - a symbol of penance and expiation. It is used
during the penitential seasons of Advent, Septuagesima and Lent,
and on fast days and vigils.
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Green - the color of budding and living vegetation, is
the symbol of hope.
It is used on the Sundays after Epiphany and after Pentecost.
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Old Rose - this color is permitted, in place of purple, on the Third Sunday of Advent
"Gaudete" and on the Fourth Sunday on Lent "Laetare", when the Church tempers the
sadness of the penitential seasons with an invitation to rejoice in the goodness of
God our Savior. |
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Gold - Vestments made of real cloth of gold are permitted in place of white, red
and green vestments. |
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Black - the color of death and mourning. It is used for the services of
"Good Friday"
and for Masses for the Faithful Departed. |
