Talks on the Sacramentals, by Msgr Arthur Tonne - Rings

"And Pharao said to Joseph: 'Behold, I have appointed thee over the whole land of Egypt.' "And he took his ring from his own hand, and gave it into his hand." Genesis, 41:41, 42.

The ring which the Pope wears is called "the ring of the Fisherman." On it is engraved the name of the Pope and the figure of St. Peter pulling a fishing net up into his boat. Hence the name. At the death of each Pope his ring is destroyed and another is made for his successor. This often requires a few months of tedious work.

When Pope Pius VII was elected in 1800 it took a year and a half for the Vatican ring-maker to engrave "the ring of the Fisherman." It was one of the most beautiful ever produced.

Two months later, Angelo Tarintino, the engraver, lost his sight. When the Pope heard of it, he ordered another ring made exactly like his own, and presented it to the Tarintino family.

In World War Two an American chaplain was called to assist a dying Italian civilian. In his last moments the man gave the chaplain a ring, which today can be seen in the chapel of an American cemetery in Italy. Beneath it is the sign:

"A duplicate of the papal ring of Pope Pius VII, presented to the American forces by Donus Tarintino."

For over one hundred years that family had treasured the duplicate of a ring worn by a Pope. With similar respect we look upon "the ring of the Fisherman," no matter what Pope is wearing it. For that ring represents the authority which the Supreme Pontiff has over the flock of Christ.

There are various kinds of religious rings, each with its particular meaning and purpose. Blessed by the Church, they are sacramentals, means of reminding us of certain powers and promises. In every case a ring is regarded as an emblem of faithfulness. It has other rich meanings:

1. The Pope's ring is made of gold. Engraved on it are his name and the picture of St. Peter pulling up a net. The meaning is clear. To the Popes from Peter to Pius is given the care of the entire flock of Christ. As Pharao said to Joseph:

"I have appointed thee over the whole land of Egypt," and as the Egyptian king gave his own ring to Joseph as a pledge of that appointment, so God's Church presents the Fisherman's ring to the one with supreme authority.

The papal rings also had a practical purpose, to stamp and seal important documents. Even today many papal papers still conclude with the phrase "given under the ring of the Fisherman."

2. At his consecration a bishop receives a ring, which has the symbolism of a wedding ring. The bishop is wedded to his diocese. He takes the place of Christ as the bridegroom of His Church. This meaning is brought out in the words of the consecrating prelate as he places the ring on the finger of the newly consecrated bishop:

"Receive the ring, which is the seal of faith, in order that, adorned with spotless faith, thou mayest keep inviolately the spouse of God, namely His Holy Church."

The bishop expresses this symbolism in the prayer he says as he puts on his ring:

"Cover the fingers of my heart and my body, O Lord, with the beauty of virtue and with the sanctity of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost. '

3. Nuns at their profession and some male religious also, receive a plain gold ring. Why? The ring is endless. It symbolizes the promise until death to serve God in poverty, chastity, and obedience. For religious it is also a symbol of their wedding to Christ.

4. Most of you are no doubt interested especially in the wedding ring. It also becomes an important sacramental when blessed by the Church, as it is during the marriage service. That blessing is as follows:

P. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. P. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. P. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray:

"Bless, O Lord, this ring, which we bless in Thy name, that she who shall wear it, keeping true faith unto her husband, may abide in Thy peace and according to Thy will, and ever live in love given and taken. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

The priest sprinkles the ring or rings with holy water in the sign of the cross. As the groom places the ring on the finger of his bride, he repeats these words: "With this ring I thee wed and I plight unto thee my troth."

If it is a double-ring ceremony the bride says the same words as she places the ring on the finger of the groom.

These words differ in other lands and languages, but the meaning and symbolism is the same. May that wedding ring be a constant reminder of the promise made at the altar of God. May that ring represent, as it should constant endless faithfulness of husband and wife. May that ring bring to both the round, endless fullness of wedded joys.

5. There are miraculous medal rings, St. Christopher rings, rings for men, women, for young ladies, rings with a crucifix and other insignia upon them.

There is a special indulgence granted to those who kiss the ring of the Holy Father and the ring of the bishop. Yes, and there is special spiritual help and inspiration for all who wear a blessed ring and for all who regard such rings with reverence and devotion. Amen.