Archbishop Wenski during June 1st Mass of Installation

On the afternoon of June 1st, Archbishop Thomas Wenski took the reigns of the Archdiocese of Miami. Emerging from outside the Cathedral of St. Mary after  the customary three knocks on the front door, Archbishop Wenski processed into the cathedral of the archdiocese to applause from the congregation. The Mass, which began shortly after 2 o’clock, was aired live on EWTN, CatholicTV, and the Archdiocese of Miami website.

At the beginning of the Mass, Archbishop John C. Favalora welcomed those in attendance, including some 500 priests, 40+ bishops, a Prince of the Catholic Church (Sean Cardinal O’Malley), religious men and women, seminarians, and lay faithful. In his remarks, Archbishop Favalora stated: “Today we all welcome Archbishop Wenski back home.” Favalora shared, “I can attest Archbishop, God does provide.”

Archbishop Wenski greets members of the community following his installation as the fourth Archbishop of Miami

Following the opening remarks of the outgoing Archbishop of Miami, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, greeted those in attendance. During his greeting, Archbishop Sambi quoted Pope Benedict XVI‘s  12 May 2010 speech to priests, religious, deacons, and seminarians in Fatima: “Let me open my heart and tell you that the greatest concern of every Christian, especially of every consecrated person or minister of the altar, must be fidelity, loyalty to one’s own vocation, as a disciple who wishes to follow the Lord.” After the reading of the Papal Bull, which appointed  him the fourth Archbishop of Miami, the episcopal rock star officially assumed his new duties and responsibilities.

During his homily, Archbishop Wenski called to mind the problems and challenges that the Church of Miami currently faces. Realizing these challenges, Wenski stated: “I am not afraid but I am trembling.” However, the newly installed archbishop comes home to Miami a seasoned pastor, capable of embracing the challenges and leading his flock into the future. Wenski recognizes that he cannot do it alone; the collaboration of all the faithful in Miami is needed to make the local church more united and centered on Christ. “Charity will unite us…May the Virgin of Charity illumine us…with a light that is as brilliant as the star of Christ.” He concluded his homily by saying: “We begin a new chapter in this history of this local Church…So let us begin. Let us start afresh from Christ.”

Following the homily, the rites of installation continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I was somewhat shocked at the shear number of priests in attendance. For the first time (at least for this Catholic), it took longer for the priests to receive the body and blood of our Lord than the laity. It was a nice surprise.

As the Mass came to a close, the seemingly endless procession emerged from the cathedral to music and dancing.

Father Richard Walsh

UPDATE: On June 3, 2010, the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Orlando met to select a diocesan administrator; they selected Reverend Richard Walsh. Father Walsh is currently the Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1968. Father Walsh assumes the role of diocesan administrator immediately and will carry out those duties until Pope Benedict XVI names a new Bishop for the Diocese of Orlando. Until that time, please keep Father Walsh and the people of the Diocese of Orlando in your prayers.

UPDATE #2: Here is a link to an interview with Archbishop Wenski conducted by WSVN 7 in Miami. http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21001329909588/

PHOTO SOURCE: (1) Sun-Sentinel; (2) Sun-Sentinel; (3) Diocese of Orlando