The Pauline Fathers and Brothers all wear a white monastic habit. It is the same for all monks, from a novice to general. It is usually received in the early months of the novitiate. A habit can be compared to a work uniform, but is definitely much more than that. Although it doesn’t have to be worn all the time, it is a major part of our lives. The religious habit shows forth an inner consecration. Religious profession sets a monk apart. He becomes a consecrated person. He belongs in a very particular way to God. Although the habit does not make the monk, the habit expresses fundamentally that the Monk is different. He lives a different life. He is called to live a life totally dedicated to God. He becomes a walking visible sign of the future life of heaven.
”„Receive the robe of salvation and the mantle of righteousness, so that the spirit of our Fathers may enrich you with the abundance of charisms proper to our Order”
excerpt from the rite of the perpetual profession
The Pauline Habit consists of the following elements:
The long scapular originally was an apron worn over the tunic to protect it. Over time and particularly after the apparition of Our Lady of Mt. Caramel, the Scapular became a symbol of Mary who covers us with the mantle of Her presence and with Her constant motherly protection.
The tunic is the garment that Jesus wore. It is a symbol of the transformation of our inner life, which has begun at our baptism when we have also received a white tunic as St. Paul invites us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14).
The white color symbolizes joy, glory and purity. At Baptism, we all are clothed in a white baptismal robe. Our habit reminds us of this grace of baptism that we have all received. By wearing white all the time, we are reminded of the new life we have received at baptism and how important it is to us. The white color also reminds us that we are called to live the life of Angels in this life, that is a life of prayer in the presence of the Lord.
The Pauline Fathers and Brothers receive an ankle-length mantle – a white cloak, at the solemn profession. This mantle is officially part of our habit and is used at solemn liturgical and non-liturgical functions. It is used as a solemn choir dress, especially during processions.
The order has the privilege of using a white skullcap. Any clothed member of the Order may make use of it. Although not universally popular, it is a distinctive part of our habit, which sets us apart from other orders.
A Pauline monk also receives a black cloak, which can be worn with the habit. This cloak, however, is not formally part of the habit.
The long scapular originally was an apron worn over the tunic to protect it. Over time and particularly after the apparition of Our Lady of Mt. Caramel, the Scapular became a symbol of Mary who covers us with the mantle of Her presence and with Her constant motherly protection.
The tunic is the garment that Jesus wore. It is a symbol of the transformation of our inner life, which has begun at our baptism when we have also received a white tunic as St. Paul invites us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14).
The white color symbolizes joy, glory and purity. At Baptism, we all are clothed in a white baptismal robe. Our habit reminds us of this grace of baptism that we have all received. By wearing white all the time, we are reminded of the new life we have received at baptism and how important it is to us. The white color also reminds us that we are called to live the life of Angels in this life, that is a life of prayer in the presence of the Lord.
The Pauline monks wear a cloth belt. It is a symbol of readiness to do God’s will, in accordance with Jesus’ call to the Apostles: “Let your loins be girded” (Luke 12:35). Everyday when we put on our habit along with the belt we are committing ourselves to serve the Lord, and do whatever He tells us (see John 2:5).
The capuce is the small shoulder cape that covers the shoulders and has a hood attached. The hood symbolizes the charism of our Order: Alone with God Alone. We put it on during prayer – it helps in achieving inner silence and concentration, isolating ourselves from the world.
The Rosary reminds us of a deep Marian character of our Order and our personal consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also a spiritual weapon of every Pauline monk. Like the sword of a knight, it hangs on the left side of the habit and serves as a spiritual sword.
