Apostolic Succession

This is an early example of Apostolic Succession.  This fresco is from the catacombs of Aquileia. The two figures dressed like Romans are Peter, ordaining Hermaacoras, and Mark, on the right. Hermacoras is wearing the pallium, which only Archbishops wear.  St. Peter is handing over the shepherd’s staff, called a bishop’s crozier, while ordaining Hermacoras—see Peter’s right hand and fingers depicted in a blessing.

After Peter’s death, the bishops who Peter ordained will carry on this ordaining rite, bishops to bishops down through time. I think of it as people handing down inheritances, land, titles, and other patronages.