THE POPE WEARS THE CROWN OF THORNS OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR
Bishop Eugene’s publication for the people of his diocese of Pope Pius IX’s letter to the universal Church asking for help for the famine in Ireland, concluded with a call to support the Pope in his suffering for the Church.
Popes, until Pope Paul VI abolished it, were crowned with a tiara. This crown had its origin in the dual role of the Pope as the spiritual head of the Church and as, still in Eugene’s lifetime, the temporal ruler of the Papal States. The latter were finally eliminated in 1870 but the tiara remained in use until 1963.
His head wears the crown of thorns of the divine Savior under the tiara of the Pontiff-King.
A firm supporter of the divinely-instituted mission of the successor of Peter, Eugene believed that the pope had a special understanding of the destiny of the Church, despite its sufferings.
So, like Jesus Christ from the cross, his Vicar from the throne of the Prince of the Apostles cries out to the world. His spirit, illuminated by a supernatural light that penetrates the depths of what is happening today, has an insight into the dark plots of the depths. He tells us that he is constantly preoccupied with them, and that he is alarmed by them. It is like the Saviour in the Garden of Olives, when his struggles, his sufferings and the unfaithfulness of humankind presented themselves to his mind, and he was seized with fear and affliction, “distressed and agitated” (ed. Mark 14:33)
Bishop Eugene’s Circular Letter to the people of Marseilles, 12 June 1847, EO III Circular n 3
REFLECTION
“Each one, in his suffering, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ.” Pope John Paul II
“God’s love calls us to move beyond fear, and it gives us the courage to continue seeking and working for the benefit of all. We ask God to give us the strength to work and to struggle for love of the common good and for those suffering the indignities of poverty in our communities, our nation, and our global family.” Pope Benedict XVI
“Dearest brothers and sisters who are so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you are stripped of everything. I am with you in the faith of the one who has conquered evil!” Pope Francis
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I googled the tiara worn by the Popes and realized that I had seen pictures of it before. It looked more like a crown – heavier than the ones worn by the kings and queens of England, and I idly wondered how they were able to remain upright with it on their heads.
Seriously though, I do believe as Eugene did that the pope has a [deep] understanding of the destiny of the Church, despite its sufferings.”
Another difference coming out of Vatican II perhaps. I am reminded of how the Oblates were sent to so many places around the world that others did not want to go to. How they retained their joy in life and in God, even though they were and continue to be sent to journey with the modern day outcasts.
“The Oblate cross which is received at perpetual professions is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers.” C 63) and further “the Oblate habit is the same as the clerical dress of the diocese in which we live. When we wear a cassock, our only distinctive sign is the Oblate cross.” (C 64)
I begin to understand why many of the founders of congregations and yes, St. Eugene de Mazenod, wanted to remain close to the people with which they were/are walking. Once again I am reminded of the theme of the last General Chapter, and how we to walk together as pilgrims in hope of communion. Not just the title of a way of being but more a colour of who we are…