Candidate Habit(without scapular) Professed Habit (center)
Candidate Habit(without scapular) Professed
Habit (center)
The wearing of a religious habit is a tradition which dates back to the monastic and missionary practices of the early church. Even the modern-looking habits of today have elements which are both practical and symbolic.
In the Mercy of God Community, the standard habit is the same for both brothers and sisters . Wearing the habit is optional.
The habit consists of a loose-fitting alb-like garment with a hood, a cincture, and a scapular or outer panel. The alb is light brown and the cincture and scapular are black. Some members in tropical climates choose to wear these elements in white.
A belt sometimes is substituted for the cincture. A side rosary is optional. A black zucchetto or skull cap is worn by some of the brothers. Sandals are appropriate in warm weather.
A silver or pewter pectoral San Damiano cross hangs on a neck chain. A small cross is worn by candidates and novices, while a larger version is worn by professed members.
Upon making life-profession, a member may wear a silver ring featuring the San Damiano cross, on the ring finger of the right hand.
The habit is worn for liturgical celebrations, public events, and community gatherings.
On some occasions, members wear a street version of the habit; for brothers, a dark suit and shirt with moravian collar, and for sisters, a dark skirt and blouse with an open or moravian collar.
