THE CASSOCK
The CASSOCK is a sign of consecration to God. Its black color is a sign of mourning. The priest is dead to the world, because everything worldly no longer attracts him.
It is decorated with 33 buttons on the front, representing the age of Our Lord.
There are 5 buttons on the sleeves, representing the 5 wounds of Our Lord.
It also features 2 side clips that symbolize the humanity and divinity of Our Lord.
The priest wears it with a band around his waist, a symbol of chastity and celibacy.
Some have another 7 buttons on the upper arm, symbolizing the 7 sacraments, with which the priest comforts the faithful.
The cassock is also a sacred remedy against vanity. While an ordinary man needs to spend time in front of his wardrobe or the mirror to check if that jacket matches that shirt or if the color of the tie is appropriate, the priest wears the cassock and that's it.
You don't even need to ask yourself “what will I wear today?” Your outfit is one! Therefore, it is also a symbol of loyalty and constancy. At baptisms the priest wears the cassock. If it's a wedding: cassock! If it's a birthday: cassock! What if it was a funeral? Cassock! In joy and in sadness, in health and in sickness... it is always the same thing.
And it could not be otherwise, since the priest is the representative of Our Lord Jesus Christ who is the same: YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER!!