Lambs + Nuns → Pallia (Video)

Just prior to the Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations of the year, the archbishops will come forward to receive the “pallium” (Latin plural is “pallia”) from the Bishop of Rome: the Holy Father. This ancient sign, which the Bishops of Rome have worn since the fourth century, may be considered an image of the yoke of Christ, which the Bishop takes upon his shoulders.

Video

The pallium is a circle of wool that hangs around the neck and shoulders with two long pieces draping one over the chest and the other along the back. It is decorated with six black crosses and weighed with pieces of lead.

The wool for the pallium comes from two lambs offered every year to the Pope on January 21, Feast of St. Agnes. They are first taken to the Church of St. Agnes to be blessed. The lambs arrive wearing floral crowns, one white and one red. These represent the purity of Agnes, which the archbishops should emulate, and the martyrdom of Agnes, which the archbishops should be prepared to follow.

The lambs are then shorn and the pallia are made.