Missing imageAn_amice_exp.jpg A diagram of an Amice. .
The
amice is a liturgical
vestment in the
Roman Catholic Church. It consists of a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments, by which it is fastened around the shoulders of the priest. Before the liturgical reforms of
1972, its use was mandatory for all
Masses, but it is only required today if the
alb does not cover the
priest's ordinary clothing. Many priests choose to wear the amice for reasons of tradition or to prevent damage to their other vestments due to perspiration.
Traditionally, while donning the amice, the priest prays a short prayer asking God to clothe him with the "helm of salvation".