This past Monday was a joyous day for the Archdiocese of Chicago as three new auxiliary bishops were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral. Cardinal Cupich, at the end of the Mass, commented that both Bishop Kane and Rassas had given over 30 years of dedicated service to the Archdiocese and that they were grateful that as the two of them retire, they are being replaced by not two but three bishops. The congregation at Holy Name Cathedral shared in the joy of the moment in acknowledging their dedicated pastoral ministry in our local Church.
The Rite of Episcopal Ordination follows ancient practices related to the naming and ordaining of Bishops. The following are the elements of the ordination ritual that took place on September 17. The Rite of Ordination takes place following the gospel, but prior to the homily.
The beautiful hymn,
Veni, Creator Spiritus - Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest
was sung to begin the Rite. This hymn is used at Vespers, Pentecost, the dedication of a Church, Confirmation, and Holy Orders and whenever the Holy Spirit is solemnly invoked.
Presentation and Acceptance of the Bishops Elect -
The Apostolic Letters of Pope Francis were presented by Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America. These documents authenticate the discernment process of the Church and the Holy Father's choice of these priests for ordination to the episcopate.
When all three of the Apostolic Letters had been read, the Bishops-elect presented them to all in the Cathedral as they expressed their consent with applause.
Homily -
Cardinal Cupich offered a homily to the assembly and Bishops-elect on this joyous day.
Promise of the Elect -
Cardinal Cupich questioned the candidates about their readiness for ordination. The candidates publicly expressed their fidelity to the apostolic faith of the Church and the Church's liturgical, pastoral and social mission.
Litany of Supplication -
The Cardinal invited the assembly to pray for those candidates whom God has chosen to provide for the needs of the local Church. The candidates prostrated themselves while the assembly chanted the Litany of the Saints.
Laying on of Hands -
The candidates each approached Cardinal Cupich who imposed his hands on the candidates heads. This ancient gesture, expressing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, is the heart of the Ordination Rite. The co-consecrating bishops and all the bishops present imposed hands on the bishops-elect.
Prayer of Ordination
-
The imposition of hands led to the solemn prayer of ordination made by Cardinal Cupich and the con-celebrating bishops. At this time the Book of the Gospels was placed over the head of each of the men being ordained. This action, with roots dating back to the earliest centuries, expressed the power of the Word of God over us. The life of each new bishop must be thoroughly imbued with the Spirit of God's Word which must be the foundation of his ministry.
Anointing of the Head -
The head of each bishop was anointed with Chrism, a final sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Presentation of Ministerial Symbols -
The Book of the Gospels was presented as a symbol of the bishop's ministry of preaching and teaching. Each bishop was presented with the ring, the miter and the crozier, which reflects the role of the bishop as one who gathers and shepherds the people of God.
Kiss of Peace -
A gesture of peace was extended by the assembled bishops to Bishop Bartosic, Bishop Casey and Bishop Hicks as a sign of welcome into the episcopacy.
This past Monday was a joyous day for the Archdiocese of Chicago as three new auxiliary bishops were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral. Your prayers for the new auxiliary bishops will help support and sustain them in their ministry in the Church. They keep all of us in their prayers.
God bless you with an
Alleluia heart
this day.
