Q: Kindly explain to us the proper use of the stole. I know that it is used under the chasuble during the Eucharistic celebrations. Beside this use, what else usage can it be made outside of the Mass. Is it not an abuse to use it for a political rally against the government? Does it make sense to use the alb and the violet stole during the evangelisation campaign or during the groundbreaking before the building of the Church? Are there specific occasions where the stole can be used outside of the Mass?
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A: The Book of Blessings permits wearing an alb and stole when offering a blessing in a communal setting (no. 36). If a priest participates in a procession or gathering at which he administers a blessing, he could argue in favor of wearing these vestments throughout.
Apart from that, I don’t know of legislation encouraging or prohibiting the use of a stole. Various opinions may prevail.
In the ordination of a deacon or a priest, the first thing that happens after the ordination has taken place is vesture. The newly ordained goes no further until he wears the vestments proper for the liturgy. Because of this, and because of the way the ritual books associate vesture with liturgy, I prefer not to do other things while vested. I’m a bit of an extremist on this—I will pose for photos after a wedding, for example, but I prefer to remove my vestments and wear my clergy suit. So, personally, I’d prefer not to wear the stole if the occasion has no elements of liturgy.
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