Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (RS)

Panaji, Jun 27: Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao is in Rome from Monday, June 25 in connection with the "Pallium Ceremony," which is to take place in the Basilica of St. Peter on Friday June 29, on the Feast of the Apostles Sts Peter and Paul. 

This annual ceremony sees the Pope investing with the Pallium those who have been appointed Metropolitan Archbishops in the previous 12 months. It may be recalled that the Archbishop of Goa became a Metropolitan when the neighbouring diocese of Sindhudurg was made a suffragan of Goa in November last year. Goa had indeed been a Metropolitan Archdiocese since its foundation in 1557 till 1976 when its last suffragans - Macau and Timor - were detached from it.

The Pallium, worn by the Pope and by Metropolitan Archbishops over their vestments, on formal religious ceremonies, is made of white wool and symbolizes the sheep that is carried on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ). It also symbolizes the Pope's concession of authority and communion to heads of major local Churches. 

Fifty one Metropolitans from all over the world will receive the Pallium this year, among whom Archbishops Oswald Gracias of Bombay, Albert D'Souza of Agra, Leo Cornelio of Bhopal and Dominic Lumon of Imphal (Manipur) are also included.

During his stay in Rome, Archbishop Ferrao will also meet Cardinal Ivan Dias, Archbishop Blasco Collaco and Goan priests, nuns and lay people living in that city. Before returning to Goa on July 10, he will spend a few days with family members living in Germany.