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Monday, May 26, 2025

MY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT “INITIATION OF THE BISHOP OF ROME AT THE VICAR OF CHRIST, SUPREME PONTIFF AND UNIVERSAL PASTOR”

 I think we can all agree that the novel approach to the initiation of the Bishop of Rome into the Petrine Ministry leaves something to be desired now that coronations are canceled. 

Byrus stated that the simple ceremony where Pope Leo XIV ascended to the throne of His Holiness’ Cathedral at the Basilica of St. John Lateran was more regal than what His Holiness experienced at His initiation into the Petrine Ministry. 

So, my suggestions to beef up the ceremony at St. Peter’s Square would be the following:

First the Bishop of Rome ascends an ornate throne under the logia of St. Peter’s. At that point the fannon and pallium are placed upon him and then the Petrine ring. Wouldn’t that be more regal?

I think the symbolism of the Chair of Saint Peter should be showcased and be the central symbol!





8 comments:

ByzRus said...

Yes!

It just needs something.

He's being enthroned in both instances. Call it what it is!

Hoping the droopy ferula doesn't become normative. I don't outright dislike it, I just always found Its melting quality to be strange.

Fr. David Evans said...

Bring back the burning of the flax

Mark Thomas said...

Father McDonald, there are Catholics who believe that Mass offered within Saint Peter's Square pales in comparison to Mass offered within Saint Peter's Basilica.

What is your opinion on that please?

Thank you.

Pax.

Mark Thomas

ByzRus said...

Mark Thomas,

If my opinion matters, I don't believe one has to pale in comparison to the other. In simple terms, it shouldn't matter.

Certainly, the intimacy of an indoor liturgy is lost in a wide open space; however, it gets down to accessibility and exclusively.

I'm not the biggest fan of mega masses. That said, the square is framed and creates its own space.

Fr. Allan J. McDonald said...

I have concelebrated and distributed Holy Communion at several very big outdoor Masses with Pope Francis. I’ve attended a beatification for some Spanish blessed under Benedict, but a cardinal celebrated. I find it quite beautiful and prayerful there for Mass. The biggest problem, though, is the distribution of Holy Communion especially to the far reaches of the Square. When I was assigned to that area, it was chaos and bedlam and people pushing to get up to where I was and people taking the Host in their hands and passing the Body of Christ back to those who couldn’t move forward. I think only the sections where there is seating should be allowed to receive Holy Communion but the method outside is far from ideal or reverent. Inside the Basilica is quite beautiful and certianly easier to control the chaos.

Mark Thomas said...

ByzRus, thank you for your response/input.

Pax.

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas said...

Father McDonald, I appreciate your comment.

Thank you.

M

Mark Thomas said...

Father McDonald said..."When I was assigned to that area, it was chaos and bedlam and people pushing to get up to where I was and people taking the Host in their hands and passing the Body of Christ back to those who couldn’t move forward."

=======

I had watched a travel show many years ago during which, at an outdoor Mass, the hostess had "sampled" Holy Communion. She then, in the style of a food review, described the taste of the Sacred Host.

Pax.

Mark Thomas