Seminarian attends pallium Mass

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
July 13, 2006

ROME - Diocesan native and seminarian, Shane Deman, had the opportunity to experience the pallium Mass on June 29 at St. Peter's Basilica on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Deman was able to be part of the choir that sang for the Mass. He is originally from Sioux City and will be starting his third year as a seminarian in the fall.

"Most of the songs were picked regarding the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul," said the seminarian. "It was a beautiful Mass and the Holy Father gave a nice homily. I am glad I was there."

At the pallium Mass, Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the former bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, along with 26 other archbishops from 18 countries, received a pallium from Pope Benedict XVI.

"It has been fairly recent, probably within the past two or three pontificates, that they have moved the distribution of pallia to this feast day," said Deman. "It is the regular feast day Mass of Peter and Paul and then during the Mass around the time of the homily, the pope distributes the pallia to each of the archbishops."

The pope gave a pallium to all of the archbishops named within the previous year. The pallium is a circular band of white wool marked with six black crosses that symbolizes an archbishop's authority and unity with the pope.

"They first confess their promise of obedience and unity to the Holy Father as archbishops," said Deman. "They come forward individually and receive one kneeling down before him."

Deman noted he was happy he stayed for the Mass. He came back to Sioux City the day after the Mass.

He added that Archbishop DiNardo had a number of friends from Pittsburgh there along with a large pilgrimage group from Houston.

"I think he was excited to see a large turnout of pilgrims that came and traveled with him," said Deman.

Deman had interacted with Archbishop DiNardo when he was bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City.

"I was behind the altar so I couldn't really see the Holy Father put the pallium on his shoulders," said Deman. "I saw him immediately afterwards when he walked behind the altar. I was very proud for him. I know it was a big day for him and for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He looked like he was in a strong state of prayer throughout the whole liturgy. I am sure he felt the gravity of the event."