Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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GLOVES

An episcopal vestment, blessed for a bishop and placed on his hands at his ordination. The practice of wearing them at liturgical functions began about the eleventh century. They are worn only at a pontifical Mass, and then only to the washing of the hands. They are made of knitted silk and ornamented on the back with a cross. They vary in color according to the Mass celebrated but are not used at Masses for the dead.