Why is there no variation in color, style or fabric?
The habit is intended to unite us as ONE, so differences in color, style or fabric would not foster a sense of unity. Also, as religious, we are to submerge ourselves and become more like Jesus – to do that we need to “lose our identity”, so to speak…to be humble, not standing out as more special or more worthy of notice than another. The only variations in the habit are among the levels of Professed members – Life Professed Brothers may wear the long-tailed belt; for Sisters, the addition of white trim and white headband differentiates First from Life Professed. Since we are also living in the world, any need to express our own style can be satisfied while wearing secular clothes. When we are together, we are one.
