St. Ambrose Academy Chronicle

Special Report: On Location in Sioux Falls

This post is being written "on location" in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where I am part of the Diocese of Madison delegation to the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Paul J. Swain, formerly Vicar General and Rector of the Cathedral, Madison, Wisconsin

My day started at 4:00AM this morning, as we departed from the Bishop O'Connor Pastoral Center at 5:00. The eighteen delegation members of diocesan staff, priests, and faithful left Madison in five vans.

With me in the comfy van (it had a DVD player!) was my father and Vice-Chancellor, Grant Emmel, Director of Vocations Fr. Jim Bartylla, and Fr. Mick Moon, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Albany, and St. Rose of Lima, Brodhead.

The ride here was uneventful, as it is basically a straight shot into South Dakota. SH History student may remember that Paul Johnson describes the Sioux as those who rode on the plains. He wasn't kidding: it's extremely flat here.

We checked in and got acquainted with our rooms, and while there is a water park here, I must admit it's not nearly up to Wisconsin Dells standards. Just before, I met briefly with Bishop Swain in the lobby. He was his usual composed self, though he must be experiencing some incredible emotions right now. The yoke of a bishop is not light by anyone's standards, and God asks much of his apostles, both of the first century and of today.

In a half hour, we will attend Mass in the Amphitheater, and then head to the Pontifical Vespers, where it is reported that Bishop Swain will officially and canonically take possession of the Diocese of Sioux Falls.

I'll try to update after dinner, but in the meanwhile, please keep Bishop Swain and the Dioceses of Madison and Sioux Falls in your prayers.

Holy Mary, Our Hope, Seat of Wisdom, Pray for Us.

posted by Ben E. @ 2:33 PM -- 0 comments