This morning, Archbishop designate George Lucas was one of 34 Archbishops given the pallium by Pope Benedict XVI. The two-inch woolen band worn over the shoulders symbolizes the "easy yoke" of the Lord. This the liturgical vestment is used by metropolitan archbishops within their respective provinces as a sign of their union with Peter's successor and is an ancient tradition. Last night the pallia spent the night in the Apostle Peter's tomb."The pope and archbishops wear the pallium as a sign of their authority over the Christian community, but it is the Gospel authority of a shepherd called to carry his sheep, to lead them and feed them," said Rev. Joseph Taphorn, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha.
The pallium used to be bestowed upon a new archbishop in his cathedral. In 1984, Pope John Paul II started the global rite. An archbishop must formally request it within three months of being appointed in order to receive it. Archbishop designate Lucas received his pallium before his upcoming installation in Omaha. If an Archbishop is transferred, the pallium doesn't go with him. Thus Archbishop Tim Dolan of New York who received one as archbishop of Milwaukee in 2003 received one this morning as well.
An archbishop's pallium is made from the wool of lambs blessed by the pope on the feast of St. Agnes on January 21. The pallium is presented today on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
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