The Amice
Below is an article titled “The Amice” from a satirical website:
“An amice is a glorified bib. It protects the other sumptuous vestments worn by the Ritualist priest from damage in the event that the priest begins to perspire or drool during divine worship.
Complicated rules govern the use of the amice. The priest enters the sacristy wearing his cassock and, after invoking the intercession of SS Perpetua and Felicity, attempts to put on the amice. The garment is first draped over the head while the priest attempts to tie the elaborate knots that fasten the amice about his body. The difficulty of this task is considerable, and the priest sometimes becomes seriously entangled; if he is completely immobilized, an acolyte must be summoned to extricate him from the amice. After the third unsuccessful attempt to put on the amice, it is understood that SS Perpetua and Felicity have become angry with the priest, and the service may not proceed until the appropriate propitiations have been made.
Various sorts of amices exist. An “appareled amice,” to which is affixed a band of decorated fabric; since they are more difficult to put on correctly, such amices may only be used by those priests who have found favour with SS Perpetua and Felicity. The apparel typically matches the colour of the priest’s chasuble, and may be decorated with liturgical symbols, inspirational quotations, or the insignia of a local business.”
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But in all seriousness, the amice is placed over the head of the priest when vesting to protect the vestments from any oils or sweat. After the priest has vested, he pulls the amice down around his neck. The prayer in the sacristy that is said when the priest puts on the amice is: “Lord, set the helmet of salvation on my head to fend off all the assaults of the devil.”
After all, Holy Communion is not some social gathering. It is when Christ comes and gives himself to us. The Holy Mass is the furthering of the work of Christ, being made manifest in your life and the world around us. Mass is a battlefield, not a playground or club. The satirical mention of Ss. Felicity and Perpetua might be more fitting than at first glance. While the priest certainly is not worrying about whether they have found favor with those saints, these two martyrs remind us what we are entering into. If you are unfamiliar with their story, it is worth reading.
God's Peace,
Fr. Aaron