Posted July 20, 2020

During a July 19 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Archbishop Nelson Perez received the pallium from apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre.

(Related: Read our feature story on the July 19 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.)

The woolen sash, which represents a metropolitan archbishop’s communion with the pope, takes on even greater meaning in the face of current challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice, said Archbishop Pierre. Holiness, patience, discernment are essential for an archbishop, he said, as is a recognition that “in the hands of God, everything is different.”

(All photos by Sarah Webb.)

  • The pallium, a woolen sash symbolizing a metropolitan archbishop’s communion with the pope, was carried in the entrance procession prior to the July 19 Mass at which apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre conferred it on Archbishop Nelson Perez.

  • Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, confers the pallium on Archbishop Nelson Perez during a July 19 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Since ancient times, the vestment has symbolized communion with pope while reminding bishops of their mission to lead the faithful to Christ.

  • Apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre embraces Archbishop Nelson Perez after conferring on him the pallium, a woolen sash that symbolizes a metropolitan archbishop’s communion with the pope.

  • Cantor Jeff Chapman led the faithful in the responsorial Psalm at the July 19 Mass.

  • The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul Schola, directed by Charlene Angelini, served at the July 19 Mass.

  • Several Sisters of Life attended the July 19 Mass at which Archbishop Nelson Perez received the pallium from apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez gives a blessing at the conclusion of a July 19 Mass at which he was invested with the pallium, a vestments worn by metropolitan archbishops to symbolize communion with the pope and service to the faithful. (Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez chats with missionaries of FOCUS, which typically ministers on college campuses, July 19 after Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Thanks to a grant by the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, a missionary of FOCUS will expand into parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia this fall.(Photo by Sarah Webb)