A new bead to add to my collection for the multi bead rosaries: a symbol for priests! This bead will serve as a reminder to pray for priests every day. I found this symbol off a google picture of a stained glass window from Methodist Church (how ironic). The symbol shows the priest's stole- which is a symbol for the yoke of responsibility and the priest undertakes and the graces that flow from the sacrament.
At the ordination of priests the bishop draws the part of the stole that rests at the back of the candidate's neck forward over the breast and lays the two ends crosswise, saying: "Receive the yoke of the Lord, for His yoke is sweet and His burden is light."
(taken from New Advent Catholic Encyclopidia)
The keys on this symbol are representative of Apostolic succession starting with Saint Peter and the symbol of the authority of the papacy and the Church's power to "bind and loose" (Matthew 16:19 and Isaiah 22). Only in the Catholic Church, apostolic succession has not been broken, which is why the priest has the same powers that where given to apostles by Jesus Christ, himself- which include the power to forgive sins and change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
This great privilege and responsibility make priest most in need of our prayers!
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