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Bishop

Next come the Bishops, who preside over the individual dioceses, and this they do by divine right, for the Episcopate of our Church, as well as the Papacy, was instituted by Jesus Christ. Bishops are divided into two classes - "Diocesan Bishops," who rule a certain allotted territory called a diocese, and "Titular Bishops," who bear the title of a diocese but have no jurisdiction over it. These latter may be commissioned by the Holy See as "Auxiliary Bishops" or "Coadjutors," to assist the Bishop of a diocese. The term "Coadjutor Bishop" is usually employed to designate one who has the right to succeed the Bishop whom he is appointed to aid. Archbishops and Bishops who are merely "Titular" receive their titles, in many cases, from ancient sees in regions that are not now Catholic; therefore they are known as Archbishops or Bishops "in partibus infidelium " - that is, in infidel lands.

The Bishop of a diocese which is a part of a province is called a Provincial or "Suffragan" Bishop. In countries having no dioceses, the territory is governed by a "Vicar Apostolic" or a "Prefect Apostolic." Any ruler of a diocese is called its "Ordinary."

Every Archbishop and Bishop in charge of a diocese is obliged at certain intervals to visit Rome and make a report to the Pope. This rendering an account of his stewardship is known as the visit "ad limina," or to the threshold, and is to be made every three years by Bishops who live near Rome; every four years by other Europeans, and every five years by those who rule over more distant sees. Our American Bishops were, until lately, obliged to make their visit only every tenth year, but they have been notified to do so hereafter at intervals of five years.

In the first days of the Church, and for some time afterward, the appointing of a Bishop was a very simple matter. The Acts of the Apostles tell us of the first election to the episcopate. When the place of the traitor Judas was to be filled, the eleven Apostles selected two candidates, and then left the result to God's providence, drawing lots to see who was to be the new shepherd of the flock of Christ; " and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles." But in later ages it was seen that there was great need of care and deliberation in choosing these rulers in the Church of God, these guardians and leaders of His flock. A Bishop is entitled "Right Reverend," and in some countries is addressed as "My Lord."

The garb of a Bishop and his special insignia - the mitre, the pectoral cross, the ring, the pastoral staff, etc. - are tolerably familiar to all. The Vestments of a Bishop are numerous, and each has its own interesting history and its own symbolic meaning. The bishops are the links in the Apostolic chain, the pastors of Christ's flock, the principal laborers in His vineyard. All the dignity which a bishop has by virtue of his office, and all the qualities which he should have to be worthy of his exalted position, are symbolized by the chief insignia which he is privileged to use.

The Mitre is the distinguishing mark of the episcopal office - a tall double-pointed cap, probably of Oriental origin, which can be traced back to pagan times; at least, something very similar was worn by kings in Persia and Assyria long before the Christian era. As an ecclesiastical vestment it came into general use about the year noo, although some form of tall and dignified headdress was worn considerably earlier. The present double or cleft form was evolved gradually ; it was at first low and concave, and was. subsequently increased in height and more richly ornamented. Its two points or horns symbolize the Old and New Testaments, which the bishop is supposed to explain to his people.

The Crosier, the bishop's pastoral staff, is, of course, not a vestment, but may be mentioned here. It typifies his duties as shepherd of the flock. It is a copy of the shepherd's crook, used for the guidance and restraining of the sheep, and has been looked upon as the special badge of the episcopal office since the fifth century at least, and is so mentioned in the ritual of a bishop's consecration. It signifies his power to sustain the weak, to confirm the wavering, and to lead back the erring. The upper part is often very beautifully moulded and enriched with images and symbolic ornaments.

On the third finger of a bishop's right hand he wears a large ring - a custom traceable to about the year 600. It was a signet ring originally, but is now considered as a symbol of faith or fidelity.

The Pectoral Cross, attached to a chain which he wears around his neck, is a cross of precious metal, which hangs on his breast, and Cappa Magna thence derives its name, from the Latin pectus, the breast. This badge of the episcopacy came into use about the twelfth century.