TINTINNA-BULUM a bell.

Very Rev. Father Robert Webster, Pastor & Rector ringing the Tintinnabulum.

Two symbols rooted in the papal court, the tintinnabulum and the ombrellino are proper to the church for use and display in a basilica. The tintinnabulum is a bell which had the practical function of alerting the people to the approach of the Holy Father during papal processions through the streets of Rome. The ombrellino is an elaborate umbrella which would protect the Holy Father from inclement weather. The panels of the ombrellino are made of alternating red and yellow fabric (the papal colors). It is always displayed half-way open to signify that the church is ready to welcome the Holy Father!

The Tintnnabulum of the Basilica of St. Paul, constructed in a modern design, reflects that change in the Papal Coat of Arms of Pope Benedict XVI. Such instruments in the past were crowned with a papal tiara and contained a small bell. Pope Benedict XVI uses a Bishop’s miter in his personal Coat of Arms and the shape of the “Crown of the Tintinnabulum” reflects that of a miter. In addition, the infulae (or lappets) of the miter are reflected in the red and gold banners which link the ornament to the Ombrellino. The bell is made of 5 pounds of copper and was hand-hammered and shaped.