SYMBOLS OF THE BISHOP

THE BISHOP'S CHAIR The cathedral houses the bishop's throne, orcathedra , (which is the Latin word for "seat" or "chair"). In the ancient world, the chair was not only the symbol of a teacher but also of a magistrate. Thus, thecathedra symbolizes the bishop’s role as teacher and as the governing authority of the diocese.

CROSIER The crosier is a pastoral staff that is conferred on bishops (and abbots). The top of the staff is curved to remind the bishop of the shepherd’s crook and of his pastoral care of the people entrusted to him. It symbolizes the bishop’s duty to keep watch over his whole flock, sustaining the weak and wavering, solidifying the faith, and leading those gone astray back into the true fold.

ZUCCHETTO The zucchetto is a skullcap worn as part of the liturgical and choir dress of the pope, cardinals, bishops, abbots and priests. During the 13th century, it was developed to cover the tonsure (portion of hair that is shaved when a man entered into the clerical state.) The pope wears a white zucchetto; cardinals, a red zucchetto; and bishops, a purple zucchetto. Black is reserved for all others.

PECTORAL CROSS The pectoral cross is worn by the pope, cardinals, bishops and abbots. Tradition holds that reliquaries of the True Cross were worn over the heart; hence, the modern day custom of it being worn over the breast (pectus). The pectoral cross reflects the dignity of the office of bishop or abbot. The cross is either worn suspended from a ceremonial cord at liturgical services or on a chain with his clerical suit.

MITER In the Latin Rite, the miter is the liturgical headdress for all bishops. The miter’s origins can be traced back to the 10th century. At the time it was exclusively worn by the pope; however, over the course of the next 200 years, bishops began to wear the miter as a mark of their office and authority. The miter consists of two stiffened flaps of material joined by a headband with two fringed strips hanging from the back base.

THE BISHOP’S RING With a purpose of linking the ministry of the pope to the ministry of St. Peter the Apostle, the ring was originally known as the “Fisherman’s Ring.” By the 11th century, all bishops adopted the custom as a reminder of their participation in the ministry of the Apostles. The ring also symbolizes the bishop’s fidelity to and nuptial bond with the Church, his spouse. The ring is worn at all times as a visible sign of his apostolic ministry.

SOURCE: Information adapted from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.