ur Lord.

Q. 943. How many colors of vestments are used, and what do the colors
signify?
A. Five colors of vestments are used, namely, white, red, green, violet
or purple, and black. White signifies innocence and is used on the
feasts of Our Blessed Lord, of the Blessed Virgin, and of some saints.
Red signifies love, and is used on the feasts of the Holy Ghost, and of
martyrs. Green signifies hope, and is generally used on Sundays from
Epiphany to Pentecost. Violet signifies penance, and is used in Lent and
Advent. Black signifies sorrow, and is used on Good Friday and at Masses
for the dead. Gold is often used for white on great feasts.

Q. 944. What is the Tabernacle and what is the Ciborium?
A. The Tabernacle is the house-shaped part of the altar where the sacred
vessels containing the Blessed Sacrament are kept. The Ciborium is the
large silver or gold vessel which contains the Blessed Sacrament while
in the Tabernacle, and from which the priest gives Holy Communion to the
people.

Q. 945. What is the Ostensorium or Monstrance?
A. The Ostensorium or Monstrance is the beautiful wheel-like vessel in
which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and kept during the Benediction.

Q. 946. {269} How should we assist at Mass?
A. We should assist at Mass with great interior recollection and piety
and with every outward mark of respect and devotion.

Q. 947. {270} Which is the best manner of hearing Mass?
A. The best manner of hearing Mass is to offer it to God with the priest
for the same purpose for which it is said, to meditate on Christ's
sufferings and death, and to go to Holy Communion.

Q. 948. What is important for the proper and respectful hearing of Mass?
A. For the proper and respectful hearing of Mass it is important to be
in our place before the priest comes to the altar and not to leave it
before the priest leaves the altar. Thus we prevent the confusion and
distraction caused by late coming and too early leaving. Standing in the
doorways, blocking up passages and disputing about places should, out of
respect for the Holy Sacrifice, be most carefully avoided.

Q. 949. What is Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and what vestments
are used at it?
A. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is an act of divine worship in
which the Blessed Sacrament, placed in the ostensorium, is exposed for
the adoration of the people and is lifted up to bless them. The
vestments used at Benediction are: A cope or large silk cloa