White Fathers: Difference between revisions

Africa is a continent with high levels of Islamic worship which meant that the White Fathers would wear robes that resembled those of [[Arab-Berber|Algerian Arab]]s. Algerian Arab robes were ones filled with colours and patterns which were known as [[kaftan]]s, while the White Father missionaries were usually pure white and, in some cases, black. The design was also different as it resembled more of a [[cassock]], whichthe is a coat that is a piece of Christiantraditional clerical clothingattire and is worn mainlyfor in the Catholic ChurchCatholicism. However, the climate across Africa meant that wearing a cassock would not be suitable, so robes were designed with inspiration from a [[gandoura]], which is a popular article of clothing in Africa made from cotton and a light material, which suits the weather conditions. To accompany this was a long white cloak known as a [[burnous]]. These men would wear a rosary around their neck to show that they were men of religion and prayer, and the rosary resembled the [[misbaha]] of the [[Marabout]]s.