St. Ambrose Academy Chronicle

Special Report: "Habemus Episcopum!"

It's true. The Universal Church rejoices today, for Paul J. Swain has been elevated to the episcopate, to the fullness of the priesthood. Sioux Falls rejoices also, for once again, after 20 months of waiting, they now once more have a spiritual leader of the local Church.

The Ordination Mass was one of the most beautiful liturgies that I have ever experienced. It also was packed with symbolism: Bishop Robert Morlino told me yesterday that he underwent a five-day retreat upon his appointment as a bishop, and the retreat master spent the entire period on the one Prayer of Ordination.

Our seats were near the middle of St. Joseph's Cathedral, but near the middle aisle, so I had a very good view of the entrance procession. It seemed as if a large majority of the presbyterate of Madison, and the entire of Sioux Falls, was present at this joyous occasion. Alongside the priests, deacons, and seminarians were about 20 bishops, who all participated in the ordination.

The principal ordaining bishop was the Metropolitan Bishop, Archbishop Harry Flynn of the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Co-ordaining were Bishop Robert Carlson, formerly of Sioux Falls and now of Saginaw, Michigan, and also Bishop Emeritus William Bullock of Madison. Bishop Samuel Aquila, the Apostolic Administrator of Sioux Falls during the interregnum was present, as was Bishop Robert Morlino. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, read the mandate and letter from the Holy Father creating Bishop Swain in his new position.

The liturgy itself was a masterpiece. From the solemn hymn of "Veni, Sancti Spiritus", to the incense wafting above the altar, from the reverent recitation of the Litany of the Saints, to the Prayer and Rite of Ordination, everything brought so much prayer and honor to God, who has given this great privilege and task to Bishop Swain.

The actual Rite was quite interesting, as each of the Bishops present laid hands on Bishop Swain silently, who was then placed underneath the Book of the Gospels for the recitation of the Prayer. Bishop Swain was then anointed with a full cruet of the Sacred Chrism, and then given the episcopal regalia as he took his seat in the cathedra.

The people of Sioux Falls must be overjoyed to see this holy and loving man as their new shepherd, and this joy was surely reinforced by Bishop Swain's remarks before the close of Mass. As many of you know, South Dakota is leading the nation in the cause of life, passing a law that would bad all abortions except in the case of dire necessity and health and life of the mother. This law is now being tested, as it is now a referendum question, number six on the ballot.

Bishop Swain clearly stated "The first vote I make as a South Dakotan will be Yes for Referred Question 6". Not even a few minutes a bishop, and already he educates and leads his flock on the quest for Truth.

I was able to talk to Bishop Swain very briefly after Mass during a reception, and assured him of our prayers. Please continue to pray for Bishop Paul Swain, and the Diocese of Sioux Falls, as he takes on his new charge as a successor to the Apostles, appointed by the Vicar of Christ on Earth, His Holiness Benedict XVI.

Your prayers also would be greatly appreciated tomorrow for all travelers, including myself, who will be on the road departing from Sioux Falls.

As the motto of the Bishop says, Confitemini Domino: Give Praise to the Lord!

posted by Ben E. @ 11:22 PM -- 1 comments