Gremiale

A gremiale, sometimes anglicized as gremial, is a square or oblong cloth or apron which a Roman Catholic bishop wears over his lap during certain liturgical ceremonies, in order to protect his vestments (especially the chasuble).^[1][2][3]

A French pontifical gremiale, c. 1650.

The use of the gremiale is prescribed by the "Cæremoniale Episcoporum" and (historically) by the "Pontificale", which contain rubrics for the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. It is used by the bishop on the following occasions:

• during the washing of feet in the Mass of the Lord's Supper^[1][3]
• during the anointments in connection with Holy orders^[1][2]
• during the consecration of a church or altar^[1][3]
• while seated on the Cathedra^[2][3]
• during the distribution of blessed candles, palms or ashes^[3]

The gremiale is ordinarily made of linen; the gremiale used during the pontifical Mass is made of silk, decorated by a cross in the centre, and trimmed with silk embroidery, in colour corresponding with the colour of the chasuble.

Little is known of its history; apparently its origin dates back to the later Middle Ages. The Roman Ordo of Gaetano Stefaneschi (c. 1311) mention it first (n. 48); soon after it is mentioned in the statutes of John Grandisson of Exeter as early as 1339, In earlier times it was used not only any bishop but also by priests. It is not blessed and has no symbolical meaning.

Sources

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Gremiale". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.

References

1. Ceremonial of Bishops: Revised by Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and Published by Authority of Pope John Paul II. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press. 1989. pp. 104, 159, 237, 253.
2. Sullivan, John Francis (1922). The Visible Church, Her Government, Ceremonies, Sacramentals, Festivals and Devotions: A Compendium of "The Externals of the Catholic Church. New York: P.J. Kenedy & Sons. p. 15. The gremiale, a kind of apron, which is laid upon the lap of the bishop when he is seated during a Mass or is conferring Sacred Orders.
3. Lo Bello, Anthony (2020). The Origins of Catholic Words: A Discursive Dictionary. Catholic University of America Press. p. 228. The gremiale is an apron placed on the lap of a celebrating prelate when he is seated; its function is to prevent the transfer of dirt from his hands to his vestments. For this reason it may also be worn during such activities as washing of the feet or imposition of ashes. A bishop will also wear a gremiale during the ceremony of the consecration of a church while he anoints the walls with chrism, to prevent an accident to his person.