CATHOLICS throughout Queensland are being invited to travel with Brisbane archdiocese’s new leader, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, to the Vatican and beyond in June as he receives his pallium from Pope Benedict XVI.
Archbishop Coleridge will receive the white lambs’ wool liturgical vestment, rich with symbolism and tradition reaching back to the early Christian Church, on the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul on Friday, June 29, at St Peter’s Basilica.
The 10-day pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Brian Finnigan, Auxiliary Bishop for Brisbane, and archdiocesan Moderator Fr Peter Meneely.
Former Archbishop of Brisbane John Bathersby will be among those joining the pilgrimage which departs Brisbane on June 24 taking in three other major basilicas in Rome, a general audience with Pope Benedict, the celebration of the conferral of the pallium in St Peter’s as well as spending two days in Assisi.
Metropolitan archbishops from around the world, including newly installed Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe, will each receive their pallium in the ceremony at the basilica.
The ancient liturgical vestment symbolises the pastoral responsibility of each new archbishop.
Fr Meneely said the reception of the pallium was “the final ritual in the ceremonies associated with Archbishop Coleridge’s installation as Brisbane’s new Metropolitan Bishop”.
“The pilgrimage to Rome to be with Pope Benedict XVI and representatives from every corner of the world will be significant as it ritually celebrates bonds of unity between the local Church of the Aarchdiocese of Brisbane with the universal Church,” he said.
“The pallium, made of lambs’ wool and resting on the archbishop’s shoulders, draws our attention to one of his most significant roles – the great responsibility for the pastoral care of the priests, religious and people of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, in imitation of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
“It is a constant reminder too of the archbishop’s special pastoral responsibility for those who are lost or disconnected from the community of faith.”
The reception of the pallium is a 1700-year-old tradition with historical roots in the attire of Roman emperors.
It symbolises the Pope’s concession of authority and communion to heads of major local Churches.
As with most Church traditions, the pallium’s look and use have gradually evolved over the centuries, including several fairly radical changes introduced by the late Blessed Pope John Paul II.
Starting in 1984, the Polish pontiff was the first to personally confer the pallium annually on all new metropolitan archbishops – a task his predecessors since the 4th century regularly had delegated.
He also fixed the date for bestowing the pallia to June 29, the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul, and, for the first time in Church history, incorporated the ceremony into the celebration of the Mass.
Archbishop Bathersby was the first metropolitan archbishop from Brisbane archdiocese to travel to Rome to receive his pallium which he did in 1992.
Previous archbishops received the pallium during their installation in St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Fr Meneely said the pilgrimage would be “a great opportunity to take part in a significant moment in the history of the archdiocese”.
“Those who travelled on the last archdiocesan pilgrimage to Rome led by Archbishop Bathersby for the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop will remember what a wonderful faith experience it was,” he said.
“This time, as well as visiting the four major basilicas of Rome, we will have time to spend a couple of days in Assisi for some quiet time of prayer and reflection.
“It will be, I think, a memorable and unique experience for all who make the journey to Rome.”
Brochures launching the pilgrimage are available at St Stephen’s Cathedral or from the archdiocese’s website.
Numbers are limited so early response is essential for those wishing to take part in the pilgrimage.
Information can also be received direct from tour organiser Harvest Pilgrimages through a free call service 1800 819156.
