Papal regalia and insignia authority. Modern popes bear the Papal ferula, a staff topped by a crucifix, rather than a crozier, a bent pastoral staff styled after a shepherd's crook. The use of the papal ferula is an ancient custom, established before the thirteenth century, though some popes since that time, notably Pope Leo XIII, have used a crozier-like staff. The use of other items of papal regalia has been discontinued, though they have not been abolished. The "Sedia gestatoria", a portable throne or armchair carried by twelve footmen ("palafrenieri") in red uniforms was accompanied by two attendants bearing the "flabella", large ceremonial fans
Ekaterina Sedia the New Jersey Pinelands. Ekaterina Sedia was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. Her family and friends still reside there while she, her husband and two cats live in New Jersey. Sedia teaches botany and plant ecology at Stockton University. Sedia has written many novels, short stories and occasionally edits anthologies. Additionally, Sedia enjoys social networking accounts such as Twitter, Facebook and Blogger. She enjoys catching up on these accounts while relaxing at coffee shops; however, she does not write there because they are too distracting. Besides writing, Sedia also has an interest in gardening, cooking, and feminism. Sedia is