Ask a Question - or - Return to the Liturgy Forum Index

Question Title Posted By Question Date
Red and Purple Vestments Jonathan Sunday, June 10, 2012

Question:

Hello Br. Ignatius Mary,

I'm aware of the symbolism behind the two colors but I came across an interesting tid bit as I studied for my psychology class. Red and purple are the opposite poles of the visible light spectrum. I figured the colors of the vestments may together symbolize amongst other things "the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega". Has this been formally recognized or just a coincidence?

Thank you for your awaited response.
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Jonathan,

I did some digging and searching, including checking the Catholic Encyclopedia (newadvent.org) but I didn't see a reference to color symbolism with the Alpha and the Omega.

Still it is an interesting thought at least.  :-)

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.