The 'gremiale' is one of those rarely seen liturgical textiles -- rarely seen because it's use in modern times has primarily (but not exclusively) been limited to the context of solemn pontifical occasions such as the solemn pontifical Mass. This was primarily within the context of the usus antiquior and some other Latin rites. Within the context of the modern rite of Paul VI, the gremiale is almost never seen, Santiago de Compostela and Palermo being the two, limited exceptions that I am aware of off hand.
Because it lacks familiarity for many, we thought we'd give a quick treatment of it. Now before we proceed to that, ti is important to note there are in fact two forms of gremiale -- one might even say three. The first form is that which basically matches the liturgical vestments of the bishop. This is the form we shall be discussing today. The second form is that which is made of a washable linen with ties that allow it to be worn like an apron. This form is that which is used during 'messier' ceremonies such as the consecration of altars (which involve the smearing of the oil of chrism on the mensa of the unconsecrated altar) and the like and it is meant for exactly the same purpose as an apron within a kitchen or workshop: namely, to protect clothing from soiling. In point of fact, both types of gremiale share this same fundamental protective purpose, but this specific type of gremaile can be seen here in a photograph of Pope Benedict XVI consecrating an altar.
That said, the specific type of gremiale that we will be discussing today is that such as seen here draped over the lap of the Primate of Gaul, the Archbishop of Lyon:
This Lyonese version shown above is quite a bit larger, however, than the sort of gremiale one would more typically would see in the context of the Roman rite, which rather looks like this:
These size differential here points to two different usages for this type of gremiale which we shall get into shortly; one solely for throne use, and one for processional. (Hence why I suggest one could say there are three forms).
First, though, let's look at what the Catholic Encyclopedia has to say about the gremiale more generally:
A square or oblong cloth which the bishop, according to the "Cæremoniale" and "Pontificale", should wear over his lap, when seated on the throne during the singing of the Kyrie, Gloria, and Credo by the choir, during the distribution of blessed candles, palms or ashes, and also during the anointments in connection with Holy orders.... The primary object of the gremiale is to prevent the soiling of the other vestments, especially the chasuble. The gremiale used during the pontifical Mass is made of silk. It should be decorated by a cross in the centre, and trimmed with silk embroidery. Its colour must correspond with the colour of the chasuble... . Little is known of its history; apparently its origin dates back to the later Middle Ages. The Roman Ordo of Gaetano Stefaneschi (c. 1311) mention it first (n. 48); soon after it is mentioned in the statutes of Grandison of Exeter (England) as early as 1339, In earlier times it was used not only any bishop but also by priests. It is not blessed and has no symbolical meaning.
As noted by the Catholic Encyclopedia, typically this type of gremiale makes its appearance when the bishop is seated at the throne during the solemn pontifical Mass. However, turning our attention back to that wider version of this type of gremiale, a form whose proportions are more akin to that of a humeral veil, the reason for this seems to be because this type of gremiale was not only used for when the bishop was seated at his cathedra, it was also carried before him during processions and the like, such as can be seen here in these medieval depictions:
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| Remnants of an alabaster relief from the 14th century showing this usage |
Fortunately we do have some modern photography showing this processional usage, and for that we can once again turn to Lyon for a liturgical occasion which saw then Cardinal Roncalli as the celebrant:
So far we've been discussing the gremiale in relation to prelates exclusively, but it is worth noting that we also see the gremiale (called the "mappula" in these instances) also used with the context of the Dominican, Carthusian and Carmelite rites, even when the celebrant is a simple priest. Here too it is placed over the lap of the sacred ministers. These usages points to back to the time when this liturgical usage extended beyond the episcopal use it has come to be predominantly associated with in modern times.
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| The mappula is seen here within the context of the Dominican rite |
Astute readers might pick up on the fact that "mappula" is a word that was also originally used for "maniple" -- the small, stole like vestment worn on the left arm of the sacred ministers traditionally. This is likely best understood by the fact that this word is descriptive, pointing to the practical, protective origins of each of these liturgical items.
Those looking for a detailed symbolic explanation of the gremiale are likely to be disappointed. While one author has attempted to suggest that its use in processions was akin to it being a kind of mobile "screen" (i.e. iconostasis or balustrade) separating the sacred from the profane, this seems to be fairly clearly a case of an ex post facto attempt to assign a symbolic meaning. The fact that there is no blessing required for this object and it is not even formally considered a vestment proper (even if it is made to match the vestments), points to its entirely utilitarian nature.
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