A vimpa (plural: vimpae) is a veil or shawl worn over the shoulders of servers who carry the miter and crosier in Catholic liturgical functions when they are not being used by the bishop. The vimpa is used to hold the miter or crosier, thus preventing direct contact with the pontificalia by anyone other than the bishop. The two vimpa-bearers attend the bishop during Pontifical Mass, and follow him in procession. Their function is to show the congregation that the person carrying the item (either the Mitre or the Crozier) does not have the authority of a bishop. The carrier of the Crozier also holds it in the closed position, i.e., crook facing towards them.