Pectoral Chain 40" Silver from Italy Cross Chain Medal

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Click Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE! Authentic Pectoral Chain from Italy This is a 40" Silver Pectoral Chain imported from Italy. This beautiful Pectoral Chain is used throughout Europe. I also have this available is gold if needed, please see my other auctions for the gold chain. Size = 40" A pectoral cross or pectorale (from the Latin pectoralis , "of the chest ") is a cross , usually large, suspended from the neck by a cord or chain . Most pectoral crosses are made of precious metals (platinum, gold or silver) and some contain precious or semi-precious gems. In many Christian denominations, it is a sign that the person wearing it is a member of the clergy and it may signify that the wearer is a member of the higher or senior clergy; however, in many Western churches t are an increasing number of laypeople who choose to wear a pectoral cross. While many Christians, both clergy and laity, wear crosses, the pectoral cross is distinguished by both its size (up to six inches across) and that it is worn in the center of the chest below the heart (as opposed to just below the collarbones). Throughout the centuries, many pectoral crosses have been made in the form of reliquaries which contain alleged fragments of the True Cross or relics of saints . Some such reliquary pectorals are hinged so that they open to reveal the relic, or the relic may be visible from the front through glass. A pectoral cross is worn with both clerical suits or religious habits , and when attending both liturgical or civil functions. With a clerical suit, the pectoral cross is worn either hung around the neck so it remains visible or is placed in the left shirt or coat pocket so the chain is still visible but the cross is not (this is not actually an official requirement, but is done for practical purposes). If a cassock is worn, the pectoral cross is either suspended from the prelate's neck and hangs free or is fastened to a front button with a special hook that is attached to the cross. The presence of a pectoral cross is useful to distinguish a bishop from a monsignor , since they wear similar cassocks. In choir dress -that is, when he wears a cassock, rochet and mozzetta -the pectoral cross is usually suspended by a cord of silk. This cord is green and gold for an archbishop or a bishop, and red and gold for a cardinal. An abbot, abbess and canon would use a black silk cord. Bishops wear a pectoral cross during Mass suspended by the cord, though it is not visible. It is properly worn - with cord - over the alb , but under the chasuble . In practice many bishops wear their pectoral cross over their chasuable suspended either by a chain or a silk cord, although this is an abuse as it does not follow the rubrics laid down in the Ceremonial of Bishops . If clerics who do not possess episcopal character wish to wear a pectoral cross, it is presumed that they are free to wear it under their clothes, so as not to confuse them with bishops. Again in practice some clergy who are not prelates do wear a pectoral cross. It is worn over the alb during liturgical functions. The prelate should kiss the cross before putting it on his neck, and while putting it on say the prayer Munire me digneris (the origin of which dates back to the Middle Ages ), in which he petitions God for protection against his enemies, and begs to bear in mind continually the Passion of Jesus , and the triumphs of the confessors of the Faith. The pontifical pectoral cross is distinct from the simple cross, the use of which is often permitted by the pope to members of cathedral chapters . Canons, to whom this privilege has been granted, are permitted to wear the cross at choir service only, and not over the alb at liturgical services, unless specially permitted. The pectoral is the latest addition to episcopal ornaments. The custom, however, of wearing a cross on the breast either with or without holy relics, dates back to ancie... read more

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