The symbolism of the bishop's cappa magna in church tradition

The episcopal cappa magna is held to depict the blood-soaked path of Holy Mother Church. The moiré cloak cascading from the shoulders allegorically conveys the streams of blood that, as it were, stand behind the history of the church hierarchs. The need to have the cappa held up symbolises the prelate's bond with the lower ranks of the clergy and his dependence on them; it is also a burden of duty. This is, of course, serious symbolism, which can and must coexist with the equally classical images of the barefoot and the unmercenary in the church tradition.