DETROIT — As Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger prepares to travel to Rome to receive his pallium from Pope Leo XIV, he sat down with Detroit Catholic to reflect on the powerful significance of this ancient symbol and custom.
The pallium, a 3-inch-wide band made of wool, is worn by the pope and by metropolitan archbishops in liturgical settings. It is a gift given by the pope to new archbishops, who wear it when celebrating Mass within their province.
On the Solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul, June 29, the pope will place the pallium on the shoulders of Archbishop Weisenburger and dozens of other archbishops appointed in the past year during a special Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Made of lamb's wool and adorned with six black crosses, the pallium symbolizes "the lamb being laid on the shoulders of the shepherd," Archbishop Weisenburger told Detroit Catholic. It's also a sign of the archbishop's communion with the pope and his fraternity with the bishops in his province — in this case, the bishops of Michigan.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Weisenburger as Detroit's sixth archbishop in February, and he was installed on March 18.
The pallium Mass will be livestreamed by Vatican Media at 9:30 a.m. Rome time (3:30 a.m. in Detroit) on Sunday, June 29. A link will be provided on AOD.org for members of the faithful.
(Video by Andrew Kleczek | Detroit Catholic)
