Bible Dictionaries
Oracle - Garment

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Oracle - Communication

Next Entry
Orange, California, Diocese of

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Shoulder cape worn by the pope alone, consisting of two pieces of white silk ornamented with narrow woven stripes of red and gold. It is nearly circular in shape with a round hole in the middle for the head to pass through, and with a small gold cross embroidered in front. It is worn over the alb, and only at solemn pontifical Mass. Mentioned in the oldest known Roman Ordinal, it was used in the 8th century, called anabolagium, and worn by all ecclesiastics. It was not reserved exclusively for the pope until the 12th century, when it was called the oracle. Its present collar-like form dates from about the 16th century.