WHY THE EPISCOPAL RING OF ARCHBISHOP PATRICK EKPU WILL NOT BE DECOMMISSIONED AT HIS FUNERAL AND IT WILL BE PALLIUM FOR HIM AND NOT PALLIA

Following my previous article on the funeral rites of Catholic Archbishops, numerous questions arose, prompting this sequel. This piece aims to address the intricacies surrounding Pallia, Emeritus status, and the decommissioning of Episcopal rings.

 

Understanding Pallia

Pallia is the plural form of pallium It signifies an Archbishop’s metropolitan authority and unity with the Holy See, as stated in Canon 355 §2 of the Code of Canon Law (1983). Technically, the Pope is the only Bishop, who is not an Archbishop, who wears the pallium.

Each Archbishop receives a unique pallium for their specific See, which is not transferable. In cases of transfer, a new pallium is bestowed.

 

Handling Multiple Pallia

When an Archbishop with multiple pallia dies, this multiple pallia are handled in one of the following ways:

a. Both pallia are placed in the casket, symbolizing the Archbishop’s cumulative responsibilities.

b. One pallium is selected for inclusion, often the most recent or significant one.

c. In rare cases, one pallium is placed inside the casket, and one outside.

d. Both pallia are preserved in a designated repository, as noted by the Congregation for Bishops in their Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops (2004).

e. Replicas are created for the funeral, while the original pallia are preserved as relics in the reliquary.

In essence, it is only Archbishops who were Metropolitans of two or more Sees that have pallia while those of one See, like +Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, have one pallium.

 

Decommissioning of Episcopal Rings

The decommissioning of Episcopal rings refers to the ceremonial removal or setting aside of the Episcopal ring worn by a Bishop, typically upon their retirement, resignation, or passing (Rite of Ordination of a Bishop, 1989).

This ritual signifies the end of their Episcopal ministry and authority. Do not forget that I said a retired Bishop only retires from one of the three munera and performs the munera of preaching and sanctifying till death. So, he only retires from the responsibility of governing the diocese.

In the Catholic Church, the Episcopal ring symbolizes spiritual marriage to the Church, representing the Bishop’s commitment and union with the faithful.

It also signifies Episcopal authority and responsibility, as well as unity with the Pope and the universal Church (Lumen Gentium, 23).

 

The decommissioning process involves:

✓The bishop removing the ring, symbolizing the end of their active ministry.

✓The ring is blessed and set aside, acknowledging its significance and the bishop’s dedicated service.

✓The ring may be returned to the diocese or a designated repository, ensuring its safekeeping and reverence (Episcopal Ceremonial, Ch. 4, 1989).

 

Emeritus Status and Decommissioning

Having addressed these questions, it is essential to refocus on the person whose transition informed this write-up.

Since Archbishop Ekpu passed on as an Emeritus, his ring had already undergone decommissioning at his retirement, so, at his funeral, it will not be re-decommissioned.