From a priest reader (edited):
With Lent about to begin I have a question regarding Laetare Sunday and what vestments I should wear for the TLM that day.
I will be celebrating a Sung Mass in the EF for Laetare Sunday. I know that Rose vestments are permitted for that day in both forms of the Roman rite.
I have a set of Rose vestments, handmade for me by a parishioner at a previous parish.
However, this set, being made long before I even anticipated offering the EF, has no maniple or chalice veil. It is very unlikely that I would be able to have a matching maniple and veil made between now and March 22.
So the question is: would it be permissible to celebrate the TLM on this occasion "sine manipulo" (since there is none), or should I just bite the bullet and wear violet?
I was always grateful that the Roman shop Gamarelli never stopped making the full set of Roman vestments, with all the necessary pieces.
In any event, I think I would use the rose vestments, what you have available. You can use a white or purple chalice veil. I suppose you could go without the maniple or use a purple maniple.
Just provide an explanation for the people. This could be a good moment for talking about the liturgical colors. Who knows! Perhaps a couple folks will pony up for a full set or for the missing pieces.
I think it is a shame when priests think they can’t use beautiful old vestments because a piece might be missing. For example, some dopey guy years ago threw away maniples or chailce veils for a glorious set, keeping the stole and chasuble.
Use what you can and build up what is missing.
Brick by brick…. veil by veil.. maniple by maniple…
