I got a question via e-mail:
I have recently noticed that when maniples are in use at my church, they are fastened to the alb by binder clips. I assume that there is a more appropriate device for accomplishing this task, perhaps originating before the days of Office Depot. Do you know of such a device? What do you use? Does it have a technical name? Where could I find some for my pastor?
I have recently noticed that when maniples are in use at my church, they are fastened to the alb by binder clips. I assume that there is a more appropriate device for accomplishing this task, perhaps originating before the days of Office Depot. Do you know of such a device? What do you use? Does it have a technical name? Where could I find some for my pastor?
Binder clip?
I am fond of blinder clips. As a matter of fact in my Roman house, in the refectory, I would sometimes use one for my napkin, depending on what we were eating.
I don’t think I would use one for a maniple.
Sometimes maniples have little cloth tabs sewn into the center, where it folds over the forearm.
This one has a safety pin, because the fabric is precious. When you use a straight pin, be sure to tuck the point under somewhere, so you don’t snag something.
Otherwise, the "classic" way, is to tie them on, which the way I prefer.
Here, by the way, is a shot of a "normal" maniple, more in the French style, together with a maniple of the taglio filipino, to show you a difference in size.
But I digress. Behold the tie, method.
It helps to have a server help you with this.
I have gotten pretty good at tying one by myself, but sometimes I just leave it tied.
Some people find the tying to be trying.
Thus, they opt for the less "classic" elastic band.
It ain’t elegant, but hey, it works.
This one I made a knot in to shorten it a bit. It was slipping around.
There is a brief foray into maniplology.
I encourage priests and deacons to use the maniple whenever one is available with the set of vestments you are using, regardless of which Missale Romanum you are using. The maniple is not obligatory in the Novus Ordo, but neither is it forbidden.
My practice is simple. If the maniple is available, I put it on. If it isn’t, no big deal. But if they are available, I really think they ought to be used. First, that completes the set as the set was intended to be used. Second, it provides continuity. Third, it is thought provoking. Maniples took on their own meaning, apart from the rather practical aetiology.
When the priest puts on the mainple, he would recite the prayer:
Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris. Grant, O Lord, that I may bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow, so that I may receive the reward for my labors with rejoicing.
If someone should think that the priesthood is a bed of roses, he might reflect on this prayer.
So, in regard to maniples, if you are in Holy Orders…
