The Spanish biretta is always in black, generally with a pompom, and four wings (instead of the usual three). This style of ecclesiastical headgear is not always seen, even in Latin American countries. A rare and welcome sight, it speaks of authentic "inculturation" in the liturgy.
Further, the Spanish biretta speaks a language that indicates grades of the priesthood. The black pompom has historically been reserved for parish priests only. No pompom for seminarians. Red or green pompom for canons, depending upon the cathedral chapter, etc.
The question of clerical attire and headgear is about priestly identity. Indeed, the identity of the priest is all important and we must cultivate this identity and inculcate it through instruction and the sacred liturgy. Not just Hollywood.
The renewal of the Church and world depends upon priestly identity. "The priesthood must be the chief concern of any society that wishes to renew its vitality," said Joseph de Maistre, an intellectual forefather of modern conservatism.
Alongside the particular core of priests in every corner of the world, there exists in nearly every diocese a special portion of clergy who, as it were, constitute a body of "traditional" priests. These clerics enjoy a certain autonomy, and this independence is a precious gift to carry out the designs of priestly identity.
When priestly identity flourishes, the sacred liturgy flourishes. These traditional priests are able to celebrate the fullness of the patrimony of the Roman Liturgy, that includes liturgical headgear, a powerful sign and unmistakable symbol of the priestly vocation.
God bless and preserve the priests and seminarians of the Istituto del Buen Pastor in Colombia. May God reward them for their labors and all they do to promote solid vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The mystical edifice of the Church is always alive and well where priestly identity is preserved and fostered to the glory of God and His Holy Church.
