The vimpae may be seen here, though out of use, as the Anglican Bishop shown is wearing his mitre and holding his crozier. 'Pockets' may clearly be seen in the vimpae, for the servers to insert their hands when holding the pontificalia.
The vimpa is used to hold the mitre or crosier, thus preventing direct contact with the pontificalia by anyone other than the bishop.[1][3]
A vimpa is also used on certain occasions to hold other sacred objects, such as vessels of holy oils.[4]
Design
An altar server with a vimpa (right) before a pontifical mass.
The vimpa is a narrow, winding shawl or scarf, made of a light fabric (usually silk).[5][2] It is either plain or simply decorated.[1][6] The base colour is usually white, but for certain occasions it may be purple, green, or gold.[4][5][2]
^ abcLo Bello, Anthony (24 January 2020). The Origins of Catholic Words: A Discursive Dictionary. Catholic University of America Press. p. 517.
^ abcdBradshaw, Paul F.; Jennings, Robert (1980). Episcopal Services. Church Literature Association : Alcuin Club/SPCK. pp. 27, 30.
^Lane, Thomas J. (October 2016). The Catholic Priesthood: Biblical Foundations. Emmaus Road Publishing. p. 141. ISBN9781945125096.
^ abElliot, Peter J (2019). Ceremonies Explained for Servers: A Manual for Altar Servers, Acolytes, Sacristans, and Masters of Ceremonies. Ignatius Press. ISBN9781642291025.
^ abcAnson, Peter F. (6 December 2012). Churches - Their Plan and Furnishing. Read Books Limited. ISBN9781447485858.
^Laughlin, Corinna; Turner, Paul; Williamson, D. Todd (30 June 2021). Guide for Servers (Second ed.). Liturgy Training Publications. p. 85. ISBN9781616715793.