I got to be a part of something very cool yesterday…the installation of a new bishop.

One thing you have to give those Crazy Catholics, they sure know how to put on a show. 😉

Whoever was in charge assembled an amazing choir and brass section. They sang several pieces before the procession began, ending with River in Judea, which I think is just beautiful.

It really was a remarkable ceremony, starting the procession of all the priests of the diocese into the Cathedral (and holy CRAP are there a lot of them. Sadly, but not surprisingly, most of them are pretty old and crusty).

I just checked the stats…250 active priests in the diocese. So that doesn’t include the retired ones that I’m sure were part of the event.

After the priests, the various bishops who came to participate in the ceremony processed in. Then there was a formal presentation of the new bishop to the crowd, kissing the crucifix, holy water, etc. More formal introductory stuff, then the new bishop is led to the bishop’s chair.

Representatives of the community, including the mayor, county executive, and representatives of other faith communities formally welcoming him.

The Prayers of the Faithful were offered by members of various parishes with specific diverse ethnic ties. Each one was in a different language: English, Polish, Spanish, Vietnamese, Sudanese, Italian and Korean. I found this particularly moving.

When the bishop performed the preparation of the gifts, ALL of the priests and bishops who were present recited the words with him. That was remarkable…over 300 of them, I’m sure, praying in unison:

When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise. Gave the cup to his disciples and said “Take this all of you and drink from it. This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.”

I think I got a chill…

I also very much like the new bishop. He’s warm and friendly, and seems to have a good sense of humor. All in all, even though it was a LONG day, it was a great experience. I’m glad I got to be a part of it.

I’m sure I’ll get back to being annoyed with my job and the Church in general in a few days. 😉