Cathedra
The presence of the cathedra — a chair reserved exclusively for a bishop — is what makes a church a cathedral. From the cathedra, the bishop teaches and presides over the worship of his diocese. The cathedra can be seen as a link between the bishop and his predecessors.
Coat of arms
A bishop’s coat of arms bears his motto and marries his personal arms to those of his diocese. The Rochester Diocese’s shield features a red saltire (the x-shaped “Cross of St. Andrew”) on a gold field with a crescent moon at center, representing the Immaculate Conception. Bishop John S. Bonnici’s new coat of arms combines the Rochester shield with his personal arms, which incorporate a Maltese Cross for his ethnicity; a large letter M in honor of Mary; an eagle with wings spread — a symbol of his baptismal patron, St. John the Evangelist — perched on the pages of book, symbolizing the Gospel of John; and an eight-pointed star, the Marian symbol “Stella Matutina” (Morning Star), from the coat of arms of Pope Francis, who appointed him as a New York auxiliary.
Crosier
The bishop’s staff is a sign of his role as shepherd of his diocese. When he is presented with the crosier at his installation, the bishop is urged to tend to Christ’s flock. The bishop carries the crosier in processions and holds it during the reading of the Gospel, solemn blessings and while he administers sacraments.
Episcopal ring
Worn on the third finger of the right hand, the bishop’s ring is a sign that he is “wedded” to the people of God in his diocese and committed to their service.
Miter
The miter is the bishop’s ceremonial head covering, with two tall points representing the old and new covenants. The miter is worn whenever the bishop confers a sacrament other than the Eucharist. It is removed during prayers.
Pectoral cross
A pectoral cross is worn like a necklace, hanging from a cord or a chain, under certain garments and over others. When a bishop is wearing a suit and collar, the cross often is placed in the vest pocket with the chain showing.
Zucchetto
The zucchetto is a small skullcap worn by prelates since the 13th century. Originally, the means of protecting clerics’ tonsured (shaved) heads from the elements, it is now a sign of clerical rank. The pope wears a white zucchetto; cardinals wear red; bishops wear purple.
