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The Pallium Mass - Part I

July 29th is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which unsurprisingly, is a holiday here in Rome. It is also the day in which the newest archbishops of world are presented with a pallium – a liturgical vestment that might be described as a cross between a cowl and a stole. The short, y-shaped pallium is made of white lamb’s wool and is adorned with crosses. Worn around his neck, the bishop is reminded of the Good Shepherd holding the stray sheep on his shoulders and thus also reminded of his own responsibility to those most in need of God’s loving care. The giving of the pallium is an ancient tradition first recorded in fourth century and eventually becoming universal practice.

I had expected a lengthy ritual in which each Archbishop (44 in all from 32 different countries – including our own Archbishop Frank Leo from Toronto) was presented with his pallium. However, this was not the case. Once the pallia were brought up from the tomb of St. Peter, they were blessed by the pope and then given to the Papal Representatives (Apostolic Nuncio) of each metropolitan area. The Archbishops made the traditional oath of fidelity but the pope did not confer the pallia on the men. Instead, a ritual of conferral will take place at a second celebration when the Archbishops return to their home diocese. This second celebration is a modification to the ritual introduced by Pope Francis in 2015. It may appear to be a small change but it is significant in what it conveys about the nature of the bishop’s role - not simply to be the pope’s delegate but, indeed, the true pastor of his designated region. He is entrusted to care for the people, to hear their concerns to celebrate with them in times of joy and comfort them in times of sorrow. The connection to the pope remains strong, however, as the bishop ensures not only that the universal church is manifest in the local, but that the local church is deeply connected to the universal. The change in the ritual is also significant because it involves the people of God in the rite. Previously, few people were even aware of the practice. Involving the people in the celebration not only connects the servant of God with the people he serves, it also holds them accountable to one another.  The archbishop, wearing his pallium, takes is place in the church as a prudent, wise and courageous leader - modelling his life on the Good Shepherd.

by Christine


people gathered around archbishop

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