In a solemn ceremony held today at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago Apóstol El Mayor, Mgr Hector Rafael Rodriguez, archbishop Metropolitan of Santiago, received the imposition of the “Pallium “Archbishopric” from the hands of the Nuncio Apostolic in the Dominican Republic, Mgr Piergiorgio Bertoldi.
The masswhich started at 9:30 am, was attended by various authorities national and regional, including the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña.
The pallium, a liturgical garment that symbolizes communion of the archbishop with the Holy See and his pastoral responsibility in the Archdiocese, was presented in Rome by Pope Francis on June 29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
During the event, the nuncio Mgr Bertoldi said: “On behalf of the Roman Pontiff, the dad Francis and the Holy Church Roman in honor of the city of Santiago de los Caballeros that has been entrusted to you, as a sign of your power, as Metropolitan we give you the pallium taken from the confession of Blessed Pedro so that you may use it within the limits of your ecclesiastical province. May this Pallium May it be for you a symbol of unit and a sign of communion with the Apostolic See.”
Mgr Rodriguez, upon receiving the Palliumhe took his oath: “I will always be faithful and obedient to the blessed apostle Peter and to the Holy Church Apostolic of Rome, to the Supreme Pontiff and his legitimate successors, may Almighty God help me.”
In his homily, the Nuncio Apostolic recalled the words of Pope Francis during the presentation of the pallium: “Brothers and sisters, receive the Pallium the metropolitan archbishops appointed during the last year in communion with Peter and following the example of Christ, the gate of the sheep.”
He Nuncio He explained that the Palliumplaced today on the shoulders of the Archbishop of Santiago, symbolizes the lost or weak sheep that the shepherd carries to guide towards life, indicating that this gesture opens the door to the Gospel.
“The first movement through this door is suggested by the Gospel text today, (John 21:19): ‘Follow me’, indicating that even a archbishop He is first and foremost a disciple who follows Jesus,” he added.
The mass was chaired by Mgr Rodriguez and was attended by priests, faithful and authorities from the entire northern region of the country. The person in charge of the Archdiocesan Pastoral of Communication, Father Regino Alfonso Collado, described the celebration as “a historic moment for the archdiocese and the Catholic community of Santiago.”
The Vice President Raquel Peña, originally from this city, actively participated in the ceremonyshowing their support for the pastoral work of Mgr Rodriguez.
He Pallium Archiepiscopal
- He Pallium Archiepiscopal is a symbol of the ecclesial maturity of the archbishop and its mission to spiritually guide the faithful of the archdiocese. According to Father Regino, “this ceremony It is a reaffirmation of the commitment of Mgr Rodriguez with the church and with his people, who are reminded that they are accompanied by their shepherd.”
- This is the second one ceremony in which the archbishop receives the pallium, after its initial imposition in the Vatican. Mgr Rodriguez was appointed archbishop of Santiago in October 2023, after having served as bishop of La Vega.
- This event It also marks the first official act of the Nuncio Apostolic in Santiago since his appointment in 2023.
