Q: Hi Father, I know that in the 70’s and 80’s the overlay stole was popular. I’m just wondering if you might be able to give some background on the vestments a priest wears – what they mean/ symbolize, etc.? Are overlay stoles allowed in today’s liturgical celebrations? Thanks!
==
A: GIRM 337 calls for the chasuble to be worn over the alb and stole “unless otherwise indicated.” The first typical edition of the GIRM did not specify “over the alb and stole,” so it more openly permitted other customs to develop. It also suggested unnamed circumstances when a chasuble would not be indicated.
Even popes have been seen wearing a stole over a chasuble, but that’s not the preferred practice.
Here’s a previous post: https://paulturner.org/under-stole/
The vestments are meant to signify the sacredness of the celebration and the rank of the minister.