he reigning Pope dies. They
are divided into committees called sacred congregations, each having,
its special work to perform. All these congregations taken together are
called the Sacred College of Cardinals, of which the whole number is
seventy.

Q. 988. Who is a Monsignor?
A. A Monsignor is a worthy priest upon whom the Pope confers this title
as a mark of esteem. It gives certain privileges and the right to wear
purple like a bishop.

Q. 989. Who is a Vicar-General?
A. A Vicar-General is one who is appointed by the bishop to aid him in
the government of his diocese. He shares the bishop's power and in the
bishop's absence he acts for the bishop and with his authority.

Q. 990. Who is an Abbot?
A. An Abbot is one who exercises over a religious community of men
authority similar in many things to that exercised by a bishop over his
diocese. He has also certain privileges usually granted to bishops.

Q. 991. What is the pallium?
A. The pallium is a white woolen vestment worn by the Pope and sent by
him to patriarchs, primates and archbishops. It is the symbol of the
fullness of pastoral power, and reminds the wearer of the Good Shepherd,
whose example he must follow.

Q. 992. {279} What is necessary to receive Holy Orders worthily?
A. To receive Holy Orders worthily it is necessary to be in the state of
grace, to have the necessary knowledge and a divine call to this sacred
office.

Q. 993. What name is given to this divine call and how can we discover
this call?
A. This divine call is named a vocation to the priestly or religious
life. We can discover it in our constant inclination to such a life from
the pure and holy motive of serving God better in it, together with our
fitness for it, or, at least, our ability to prepare for it, also in our
true piety and mastery over our sinful passions and unlawful desires.

Q. 994. How should we finally determine our vocation?
A. We should finally determine our vocation: (1) By leading a holy life
that we may be more worthy of it; (2) By praying to the Holy Ghost for
light on the subject; (3) By seeking the advice of holy and prudent
persons and above all of our confessor.

Q. 995. What should parents and guardians bear in mind with regard to
their children's vocations?
A. Parents and guardians should bear in mind with regard to their
children's vocations: (1) That it is their duty to aid their children to
discover their vocation; (2) That it is sinful for them to r