On Facebook this morning, I reposted an image from last year, showing the Vesting Prayers we have in the sacristy at my parish in Queens. The prayers are to be said by the priest as he prepares for Mass.
A couple people have asked if there are prayers like that for deacons.
Why yes, there are.
You can read the complete prayer here, in both Latin and English. Two key portions: for the stole and dalmatic:
Stole: Lord, restore the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and, unworthy as I am to approach Thy sacred mysteries, may I yet gain eternal joy. Dalmatic (Deacons and Bishops): Lord, endow me with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.
There’s also a beautiful prayer and ritual from the Orthodox (from this site):
The deacon, with his robe and stole (orarion) in hand, goes to the priest and bows his head, saying: D: Bless, Master, the robe and the stole. The priest blesses: P: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. D: Amen. The deacon goes to the side of the sanctuary. Vesting himself with the robe, he recites this prayer: D: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of gladness; as a bridegroom He has set a crown on me; and as a bride adorns herself with jewels, so He has adorned me. After kissing the stole, the deacon places it on his shoulder. As he puts on the cuffs, he recites the following: D: Right: Thy right hand, O Lord, has been glorified in power. Thy right hand, O Lord, has shattered the enemies. In the greatness of Thy majesty Thou hast overthrown Thy adversaries. Left: Thy hands have made and fashioned me. Give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments. Then the deacon goes to the Table of Preparation, and sets the Holy Vessels in place for the priest.
Read more about the vesting prayers at the Vatican website.
Top Image: Wikipedia
And today we celebrate...