Editor’s note: This is the third column in a series on the highest order of ordained ministry in Catholic teaching, that of bishop.
The four main symbols of the office of bishop are the crosier, miter, pectoral cross and ring.
The crosier, crozier or pastoral staff. The crosier is the principal symbol of a bishop, and it represents his office and authority. The crosier resembles a walking staff. It is a long, slender, pole made of wood or metal — much like a walking stick used by shepherds — about 6 feet tall, with a curved top or crook which often encircles a cross, a religious symbol, or a small depiction of a biblical scene. Some crosiers are a single unit. Others are made in three sections, can be disassembled, and placed in a carrying case.
The staff is used liturgically for processions and held at other times during the Mass. The staff represents the bishop’s duty to continue the ministry of Jesus, the good shepherd (see Jn 10:1-18); the bishop’s continuity with the pastoral ministry of Peter, to whom Jesus said, “Feed my lambs” (Jn 21:15), “Tend my sheep” (Jn 21:16), and “Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:17); and the bishop’s responsibility to love, care for, watch over, and protect all of the members of his flock. The staff is also a symbol of journey and the bishop’s duty to travel and carry the Gospel message throughout his diocese.
The miter. The miter is a tall, circular, pointed, ceremonial headdress, another symbol of the office of bishop. The term is derived from the Greek word “mitra,” a headband. It has two flat, stiffened pieces — one in the front, the other in the back — which are connected by soft expandable material on the sides, allowing it to be folded and lay flat in storage, and to take a round shape when placed on the head. The top is pointed in both the front and the back. The bottom of the back normally has two long, narrow, fringed strips called lappets. The miter is covered with silk, linen or another type of cloth material. The front is often embroidered with a cross or another sacred symbol. A few are decorated with gemstones. In the past the miter was always white. Today, bishops have miters in multiple colors to correspond to the liturgical season, the sacrament featured at the Mass (e.g., red for confirmation), or the color stipulated for the Mass of the day. It is worn at specified times during the Mass.
The pectoral cross is a small Latin-style cross, usually 4 or 5 inches in length. The pectoral cross is traditionally made of a precious metal, gold or silver, but more recently made of another metal or rich wood, occasionally decorated with gemstones, attached to a metal chain or a silk cord, worn around the neck, and hung in full view over the front of the chest and close to the heart. The term is derived from the Latin word “pectus,” which means chest or breast. It is customary to wear the pectoral cross over the black clerical shirt outside of Mass. It sometimes is tucked inside the left coat pocket.
The ring. The episcopal ring is a special insignia of a bishop. It is given to the bishop at his episcopal consecration. It is worn on the right hand, not the left, and on the third or ring finger. As a husband or wife wears a ring as a sign of the commitment to one’s spouse, the bishop wears the ring as a sign of his commitment to Jesus, his Church, and the flock entrusted to his care. Furthermore, the ring represents the bond of the priests of the diocese and the faithful to their bishop. The traditional stone for the ring is the amethyst, a purple or violet variety of quartz. Today, bishop’s rings come in a variety of colors and materials and, with a desire for simplicity, are less ornate and expensive. Some rings have an image engraved on them, often a cross or another religious symbol. At one time it was customary for the faithful to kiss the bishop’s ring out of reverence and respect, partly for the bishop himself, but more for his office and his role as successor of the Apostles. While this custom is still practiced, it has become less common.
Father Van Sloun is the director of clergy personnel for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
