Receiving a ring

There were a few moments during Pope Leo's inauguration on Sunday - as with his first appearance after his election, twelve days ago - when he seemed close to tears. This was especially so when he received the symbols of his new responsibility and service - the pallium, and, especially, the Ring of the Fisherman. As our new Pope gazed at his new ring, visibly moved, a memory stirred within me: of deep, quiet joy and emotion as my own simple silver ring was placed on my finger just after I had professed my perpetual vows, twenty-two years ago next month. Religious sisters the world over receive a ring at our profession: just like married couples, we wear ours every day, as an intrinsic sign of our mutual loving commitment, sealed by vows - in our case with the God who is Love, who calls and strengthens us, bestows grace in abundance, and keeps faith forever.

In fact, in addition to my profession ring I wear two others, on my right hand. I found the heart-shaped one on a market stall, shortly after a retreat some years ago in which the call to Jesus' Heart was especially strong. And Latin Americans will recognise my black tucum ring, given to me by an Argentinian sister to seal and intensify my solidarity and commitment with those who are poor. There was no ceremony, but as I received it I felt anew the weight of this alliance, and all that wearing this simple tucum would pledge me to. 

Weight... Several commentators, referring to the Pope's emotion at receiving his ring, have said that he was clearly feeling the weight of his new office, and of the cross he had accepted for the Church. Maybe he was; but I also hope that he felt - and will always know - the even greater weight of God's copious grace, and his equally copious, everlasting love and fidelity. Eternal love and commitment are, after all, what a ring symbolises - and God, we know, will always be true to his promises and his choice, his Heart making up for all that is lacking in us. And grace's weight is experienced not in heaviness, but in lightness and peace, rendering all burdens light, as promised by Jesus (cf Matthew 11.30).

Before giving me my ring our Superior General said: Receive this ring, symbol of the love that unites you to Jesus Christ, sign of your desire to live in union and conformity with his Heart. Twenty-two years on, it has rarely left my finger. On the occasions when I do remove it, it leaves a very clear, pale indentation: the love which unites me to Jesus has left its imprint on my finger - and, I hope, in my heart! May the Ring of the Fisherman, and all the covenant and grace it bears within it, leave a similar imprint on Pope Leo!