Читать книгу Catholicism For Dummies - Rev. Kenneth Brighenti - Страница 124

Vicars general aren’t military leaders like Generals Montgomery, De Gaulle, and MacArthur. They’re priests who are second in command in the diocese and appointed by the bishop to help him govern the local Church. Sometimes, episcopal vicars are also appointed to assist the bishop in certain areas, such as vocations, the marriage tribunal, clergy personnel, Hispanic or minority ministries, and so on. In large dioceses, such as New York or London, vicars general are often auxiliary bishops, ordained bishops who assist the bishop of the diocese in the same way any other vicar general does, except that they can help the bishop ordain deacons and priests and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Often, these priests are given the honorary title of monsignor at the request of the local bishop. This title has no extra authority, dignity, or salary. You can recognize a monsignor by the color of his cassock — a long, close-fitting garment worn by clerics. This honorary title may be bestowed in three different forms:

 Papal Chamberlain: Also known as Chaplain of His Holiness, this is the lowest ranking of the title of monsignor. These monsignors wear black cassocks with purple buttons and trim.

 Domestic Prelate: These monsignors are also known as Prelates of Honor, and they wear purple or black cassocks with red buttons and trim.

 Protonotary Apostolic: This is the highest ranking of the title. It’s designated by a purple ferraiolone, a silk cape worn over the cassock.