Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona, OP will be among a number of new Metropolitan Archbishops who on Friday will be receiving the Pallium from the Holy Father during a Eucharistic celebration at the Vatican on the occasion of the feast of St Peter and St Paul.

The pallium is the white circular band of finely-woven wool about five centimetres wide, worn around the neck, having two pendants, one hanging down in front and the other behind. The pendants are approximately five centimetres wide and 30 centimetres long, and are weighted with small pieces of lead covered with black silk.

On the pallium are woven six small black crosses – one on the front and back, one on each shoulder, and one on each pendant. The crosses on the front, back and left shoulder have two small loops to hold in place three pins – spinulae.

The pallium is worn by archbishops as a symbol of their hierarchical communion with the Successor of Peter in the governance of God’s people. It is made of sheep’s wool as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and the Good Shepherd who keeps vigilant watch over his beloved flock. This vestment reminds Bishops, as vicars of Christ in their local Churches, that they are called to be shepherds after the Heart of Jesus.