Photo credit Valaurian Waller and Tim Fuller/Detroit Catholic
In a solemn two-hour liturgy, members of the Michigan Area were among those welcoming the new shepherd of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger.
The Mass was preceded by a procession into the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, led by delegations from the Knights of Columbus, Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Michigan Area. The procession continued with about 30 deacons, 160 priests, and nearly 30 bishops from throughout the United States.
Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, opened the liturgy. He has served the Archdiocese of Detroit as archbishop for 16 years and is also principal chaplain of the Michigan Area Order of Malta. As archbishop emeritus, he plans to reside and teach at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
In keeping with the ancient rite, Archbishop Weisenburger knocked three times on the cathedral doors with a gavel, proclaiming, “May the doors of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament be open wide, for I come as a servant in the name of the Lord to dispense God’s love and mercy.” Representatives of each of the archdiocese’s four pastoral regions then opened the doors to the archbishop, signifying the faithful’s welcome of their new shepherd.
As Archbishop Weisenburger took his seat upon the cathedra, Archbishop Vigneron presented to him the crosier, or shepherd’s staff, symbolizing his leadership of the faithful.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Weisenburger thanked Archbishop Vigneron for leading the Archdiocese “with humility, immense wisdom, and a full commitment of his life for 16 years.”
The Michigan Area delegation included Dr. Lourdes Andaya, DM; Marcia McBrien, DM; Doug Nelson, KM: Eileen Newell, DM; Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM; and Dr. Cathy Stark, DM. Working behind the scenes was Sean Shriner, Member in Formation, who serves as administrative coordinator for the Cathedral.
A reception followed at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, where Andy Smith greeted Archbishop Eisenburger and offered the congratulations of the Michigan Area.
More detailed coverage is available here and on the Archdiocese’s Youtube channel.
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