There are several items which Bishop-elect John Keehner will wear and use as part of his office of Bishop. The origin and development of these items illustrate the history, dignity and authority of the episcopal office.
Miter
The miter is a kind of folding cap, consisting of two flat pieces ending in a peak. Two “fanons” (strips of material) hang loosely from the back of the miter. The use of headgear as a symbol of regal or priestly status pre-dates Christianity. The prelatial miter takes its name from the word “mitra,” meaning “headband” in Greek, and referring to a type of bonnet in Latin. The development of the miter took place during the 10th century, but it changed its looks slightly in the next several centuries. Before the 12th century, the miter was made of linen. Silk was used after that, and from the 14th century it was occasionally enhanced with jewels and gems. White linen and silk continue to be the common cloth used for the miter.
Bishop-elect Keehner is receiving a miter from the parishioners of St. Paul Parish in Canton, to match the celebratory set in Sioux City. His four parishes on the north shore of the Youngstown Diocese—Our Lady of Peace, Corpus Christi, St. Andrew Bobola and Assumption—are also purchasing a miter and matching chasuble for him.
Ring
Rings with a distinctly Christian character, bearing symbols of faith and figures of saints, were in use among the early Christians. But the ring as a mark of the episcopal dignity and authority appears to have come into use around the sixth century. Saint Isidore, Bishop of Seville from 593 to 633, claims one of the earliest mentions of the bestowal of a ring as a feature of the consecration ceremony. The wearing of the ring by a Bishop signifies his spiritual marriage to the Church. It is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. A priest elevated to Bishop does not wear the ring until he is ordained a Bishop. The color and kind of precious stone in the ring is left to the discretion of each Bishop. One restriction is the use of sapphire, which is reserved for the Cardinals of the Church. The stone most used is amethyst.
Bishop-elect Keehner was gifted a ring from the archives of the Diocese of Youngstown, after Bishop David Bonnar invited him to review archived episcopal rings and pectoral crosses.
“He chose a simple, humble ring, worn by Bishop Malone … [Bishop-elect] Keehner chose a pectoral cross from him as well, and it was a very special connection there,” said Bishop Bonnar.
Bishop James Malone ordained Bishop-elect Keehner as a transitional deacon on December 12, 1993, and then as a priest on June 12, 1993.
Crozier
The crozier, or pastoral staff, symbolizes the pastoral authority of a Bishop. The word “crozier” comes from the French “croisier,” meaning “one who bears a cross.” The earliest examples of the crozier that appear on episcopal seals are extremely simple, looking much like the staff used by a shepherd. Gradually the staff—like the miter—became more ornate. The decorations occur chiefly on the curved section, the crook. The height of the crozier is between five and six feet. It is held in the Bishop’s left hand and the crook faces forward. The crozier is raised and lowered to the floor as the Bishop walks.
Bishop Keehner’s crozier was made for him out of mahogany—a dark wood—with a simple design. It was a gift from the priests of the Diocese of Youngstown.
Pectoral cross
The pectoral cross is suspended from the neck either by a chain or a cord. It is not a sign of jurisdiction, but of order or dignity. The cross was not used by Bishops prior to the 16th century, but Popes used it before that date. It derives its name from the Latin “pectus,” meaning the breast. The pectoral cross is of Latin form—the upper part and the arms are of equal length and the lower part longer. Some are gold or gilt silver. They may be ornamented with precious stones, and often relics are enclosed.
Bishop-elect Keehner also chose a pectoral cross worn by Bishop Malone, from the Diocese of Youngstown’s archives.
Cathedra
The word cathedra is Latin for the Bishop’s seat. The expression “ex cathedra” signifies the solemn teaching authority of the Pope as the successor of St. Peter. The chair, which is raised, may be of wood, marble or any material.
Bishop-elect Keehner officially takes possession of the Diocese of Sioux City when he sits on the cathedra at Ephiphany Cathedral at his episcopal ordination on May 1.
The episcopal ordination of Bishop John E. Keehner will be May 1 at 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. EST) and will be broadcast on KTIV Channel 4, the Sioux City-based NBC affiliate and also livestreamed on the Diocese of Sioux City YouTube account at www.youtube.com/@DioceseofSiouxCity.
The April 30 vespers service will also be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. EST). Both services will be held at the Cathedral of the Epiphany.
This story was written in coordination with Lumen Media, the official communications platform for the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. Visit their website.
