History of Pallium Lecture Series

In June 2003, Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan received his pallium from Pope John Paul II during a journey to Rome following his installation as Archbishop of Milwaukee in August 2002. Shortly after, he started the Pallium Lecture Series.

Today, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki carries on the tradition of the lectures. He received his pallium from Rome in June 2010, five months after being installed as the Archbishop of Milwaukee.

A pallium is a circular band of white wool with two pendants, one hanging down in front and one behind. The pendants are weighted with small pieces of lead covered with black silk. the ornamentation on the pallium consists of six small back crosses - one each on the breast and back, one on the shoulder, and on e on each pendant. The crosses on the breast, back and left shoulder are provided  with a loop for the reception of a gold pin set with a precious stone. the pallium symbolizes the twin responsibilities of shepherding the flock entrusted to each metropolitan archbishop and fostering communion with the vicar of Christ.

On January 21, the feast of St. Agnes, the pope blesses two baby lambs. One is crowned with white roses to signify her virginity, and the other is crowned with a red roses to signify martyrdom. After the pope blesses these lambs, they are transferred to a farm where the Vatican shepherd nurtures them. Near the end of May, the lambs' wool coats are removed. religious sisters make the pallia from this wool. The finished pallia are then placed in a cask in St. Peter's Basilica and remain there until June 29.

One June 29, the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, the pope celebrates Mass with the new archbishops. After the homily, the pope places the pallia on the shoulders of each archbishop. This signifies the responsibility that each archbishop assumes to shepherd the flock of Christ entrusted to him.