Cappa Magna!

The word “Cappa magna” literally means a large cope or cape. The word “cappa” is a term of low Latinity, said to be derived from capere (quia capit totum hominem – because it covers the whole person), and was origionally word by ecclesiastical writers to denote the pluviale or cope.

The cappa magna is a large mantle with a long train. It is entirely closed, with the exception of a vertical opening about ten inches long over the breast, and completed with a furred cape closed in front, slightly opened at the back, and fastened at the back of the next with a hook.To the cape a hood is attached, the use of which is determined by the Ceremonial of Bishops. When not in use, this hood is caught up on the right shoulder and fastened there by a row of buttons and silk loops.

Formerly, the entire garment was lined with fur in order to protect the wearer from the cold; about the thirteenth century, hoods assumed a cape form by being allowed to fall back over the shoulders, whereby the fur lining became outermost, and it may be stated as a general principle that whatever fur appears on a Prelate’s dress is supposed to be the winter lining. In summer therefore, when fur is not used, the portion of the Prelate’s dress, which in winter is adorned with fur, must show […] the regular summer lining of silk.

The cappa is a sign of jurisdiction and authority; therefore, it is worn by the Pope and Cardinals everywhere; by a Metropolitan Archbishop, in his province; by a Bishop, in his diocese. When the Prelate is sitting, the vestment is fully unfolded and gracefully draped around him, covering the whole person (capit totum hominem). Whenever the Prelate walks, the train of the cappa must be carried by a train-bearer.

The Pope’s cappa magna is not white, as some may believe, but red. He wears it only when attending the Matins of Christmas, the Office of the Dead, and the Tenebræ. On Christmas night, his cappa magna is of red velvet, and of red serge for funeral services and Tenebræ.

Source: Nainfa, John Abel. Costume of Prelates of the Catholic Church. Baltimore: John Murry Company, 1926.

“In the year that king Uzzi’ah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.” -Isaiah 6:1