@thecatholictvnetwork: Why do Bishops dress like this? First of all, no, this is not a yarmulke. It’s called a ZUCHETTO, which means “little pumpkin”. It originally designed to keep the head warm, but also to serve as a reminder of spiritual protection. The color signifies ecclesiastical rank: black for priests, magenta for bishops, red for cardinals, and white for the pope. Next, there is the MITRE. Its shape represents the tongues of fire which rested on the head of the Apostles, the first bishops of the Church. The two peaks, front and back, represent the Old and New Testaments, united on the Bishop’s head to highlight his responsibility to teach Scripture, and the lappets on the back: the spirit and the letter of the law. Bishops also and always wear a cross on a chain over the chest, known as the PECTORAL CROSS. At Mass, the cross is attached to the Cordone, green and gold ceremonial chord. Historically, these often contained relics of the saints (is Pope Leo cross contains relics of Saint Augustine and Saint ) and the crosses that many people wear around their neck today actually derive from these pectoral crosses. On the right hand, the bishop wears his EPISCOPAL RING, given to him at the time of his consecration. It symbolizes spiritual marriage of the bishop to the Church and of our fidelity to her even unto death. Finally, we have the CROZIER. This staff is carried in procession or whenever the bishop walks from one place to another during the liturgy. It’s reminiscent of a shepherd’s crook, and serves as a reminder that bishops are to be shepherds who care for their flock and keeps them united within the fold of Christ, the Good Shepherd.

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Monday 15 September 2025 15:41:58 GMT