August 24 – The Ring, Please

August 24 – The Ring, Please

Now the beautiful sapphire and ruby ring is placed upon the Queen’s finger.

The ring weighs 84 and ½ carats. Rubies overlay the enormous sapphire in the form of a cross. Fourteen beautiful diamonds encircle the Sapphire.

This is the Wedding Ring of England, worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

We hold out our hands . . . what signet do we see there? The Prodigal Son was adorned with the Father’s ring; the naked castoff was washed and clothed and given the ring of honor to wear.

The Sisters who take their Perpetual Vows receive a simple ring of promise.

“Receive the ring of Kingly dignity, and the seal of Catholic faith.” (The Queen, of course, is under vows to defend the Protestant faith, Catholic meaning “one universal,” but this Queen has enjoyed an honorable State friendship with several Popes, and she certainly has a Catholic ancestry.) This is the " 'til death do us part" token between Elizabeth and her Peoples.

Does it sparkle, the ring upon your finger? Does it gleam with promise? Does it betoken love and eternal fellowship?

Wear it in Cor Unum. Where it wherever you go. Wear it as the betrothal ring it is, here in the Monastery of the Heart.


Illustration of Coronation Ring
from Every Woman's Encyclopedia
(see ChestofBooks )