Detroit, Mich., Jun 26, 2009 / 04:56 am
The Archdiocese of Detroit has launched a “Pallium Blog” to cover Archbishop Allen Vigneron’s reception of the pallium in Rome. The blog includes reports from the archbishop and those accompanying him to Rome, including his two young nephews and a woman who runs a Detroit Italian restaurant.
The first entry of the blog, which is titled “A Shepherd’s Mission,” consisted of a letter from Archbishop Vigneron explaining the nature and purpose of the pallium, a narrow band or collar of white wool with six black crosses.
A pallium is worn at Mass by an archbishop who heads an Ecclesiastical Province. The garment signifies his leadership and authority. It is bestowed upon archbishops by the Pope at a ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29, the Solemnity of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul.
“For me, this event is one of the great graces of my priesthood,” Archbishop Vigneron wrote of the upcoming ceremony. “As I kneel on the platform over St. Peter’s Tomb, I will be begging for two things from God: first that He strengthen me to be a good shepherd of His people; and second, that He help all of you and your families to grow in that same life and holiness that the Apostles handed on to us from Jesus.”