As wind and rain swept across the region, a calm came upon the Queen City as she opened her hearts and doors to welcome a new shepherd, as well as offer a moment of profound gratitude to her retiring shepherd who has guided her for 16 years.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, representatives of the Order of Malta, American Association from the Greater Cincinnati Area were honored to attend the Installation Mass of The Most Reverend Robert G. Casey as the 10th Archbishop of Cincinnati.

Archbishop Casey, formerly an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, succeeds Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, ChC, who has served as Archbishop of Cincinnati since 2009.

As Archbishop Schnurr greeted his successor, a sense of joy and fraternity could be seen as they marked this momentous transition for the local Church, guiding it forward as it continues its mission of evangelizing the region into its next century.

During his homily, Archbishop Casey reflected on the theme of transformation, invoking the imagery of “living stones” rising to our calling from Christ to proclaim the Gospel. The Archbishop reminded those gathered that they can be comforted in the example that Jesus had the greatest confidence in Simon Peter to bear the weight of this call, a call which led him to a transformation from a “sinking stone” to a living one that breathes and transforms the world.

Archbishop Casey concluded his homily calling on the faithful to be a people of healing and unity in a fractured world while also sharing a few words of encouragement:

“I find myself encouraged for the journey ahead, knowing we will find ourselves unburdened by the chains that bind us. We will, we will, find ourselves centered in Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit… May we confidently make our way into deep water, discovering together, together, how Christ may and will transform us from rocks that sink into living stones.. rising to our call!”

As Archbishop Casey shepherds the local Church in Cincinnati, may we keep him and the entire Archdiocese in our prayers.

May we, as well, continue our ministry of service to our Lords, the sick and the poor and in defense of the faith, rising to our own calling in the Order of Malta within the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Photo Credit: Catholic Telegraph & Archdiocese of Cincinnati