The gold cardinal's ring that Pope Benedict XVI gave to Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien features figures of Ss. Peter and Paul, modeled on their statues located in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. (Ann M. Augherton│Special to the Review)
Cardinal's ring is symbolic
By Catholic Review staff
The gold cardinal's ring that Pope Benedict XVI gave to Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien features figures of Ss. Peter and Paul, modeled on their statues located in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The images represent faith and missionary proclamation, according to a Vatican booklet distributed to pilgrims who attended the Feb. 18 ceremony elevating 22 men to the College of Cardinals.
Between Ss. Peter and Paul is an eight-pointed star, a reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The back part of the ring represents a stylized column like those found in St. Peter's, while the face is a bas-relief in the shape of a cross.
You must be logged in to post comments to this article.