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If you are a life-long Catholic, you may be accustomed to seeing different colored vestments and habits, the odd-looking hats churchmen wear and the staves they carry around hallways as if they are walking sticks. But, for non-Catholics and converts, the origin of these regalia is a curiosity.

Archbishop Naumann came to offer Mass and visit with our students yesterday. But why does he wear a mitre and carry a crozier? Let’s take a look at the bishop’s regalia.

The regular regalia which identify a bishop are the pectoral cross and the ring.  The pectoral cross (crux pectoralis) is worn by the Holy Father, Cardinals, Bishops, and Abbots.  The word pectoral derives from the Latin pectus, meaning “breast.”  This cross is attached to a chain (or cord) and is worn on the chest, near the heart.  In the earliest times, the pectoral cross contained a relic of the True Cross or even of a saint.

Bishops also wear a ring.  In the past, a distinction was made between the pontifical ring (which would have a gemstone, traditionally an amethyst), and the ordinary ring (which would have the bishop’s coat of arms or some other design engraved on it).  The ring, like a wedding band, symbolizes that the bishop is “wedded” to his diocese.  Also, the ring would be used, at least in days ago, to make the imprint of the bishop’s seal in the hot wax to authenticate documents. 

The mitre is a “headdress.”  The word mitre derives from the Greek mitra, which signifies a headband or diadem.  In the Old Testament, the High Priest and other priests wore a distinctive garb which included a mitre.

The crozier, or officially the pastoral staff (baculus pastoralis), symbolizes the role of bishop as the Good Shepherd.  In the Gospel of St. John (10:1-21), our Lord identified Himself as the Good Shepherd.  The word translated as “good” in the original Greek text is kalos, which also means “model.”  Our Lord is the model shepherd for the apostles and their successors, the bishops, who are appointed as shepherds.  The bishop, like a good shepherd, must lead his faithful flock along the path of salvation, disciplining and protecting them as needed. 

Archbishop Naumann, whose episcopal mottos is Vitae Victoria Erit” (Life will be Victorious) has been a good shepherd for our diocese. Every time he visits us, we are reminded of the sacrifice our priests and bishops make for their flock and also their spiritual authority over us.

Pray for our spiritual fathers and vocations.

Archbishop Naumann with our priests, deacon and students after Mass.

_{Content source: Catholic Straight Answers}