It has been a full three days. Evening prayer on Sunday, ordination and installation on Monday, first Mass as bishop this morning, and now it is time for an attempt to get back into some kind of routine. I want to welcome our new shepherd, Bishop Steven R. Biegler, DD, STL. I am looking forward to getting to know him better and working closely with him.
I had only been in the diocese for six weeks back in 2009 when we received a new bishop to shepherd the Diocese of Cheyenne at that time. After having served with Bishop Paul Etienne for the last seven years, it is much easier for me to be of assistance to our new bishop. I now have eighteen years of experience as a deacon, with eight of those being closely involved with liturgies at a cathedral with a bishop as the celebrant. (Cheyenne, Wyoming & Pueblo, Colorado) It took a long time to develop a comfort level with assisting a bishop at liturgy, but I am grateful to have reached that point. I have learned more about liturgical rites in the last eighteen years than I had ever imagined.
The crosier, mitre, and bishop’s ring (pictured above) have significant meaning. Our former bishop, now archbishop, explains the symbolism quite well in his recent blog. I encourage you to read Archbishop Paul Etienne’s blog to learn the historical significance of each of these items.
archbishopetienne.com/significance-of-bishops-insignia
It was a wonderful privilege to be part of the planning for these days and to have a role in each of the liturgical celebrations. Enjoy the photos below.
Rehearsal is a key part of any major liturgical celebration.
The appointment is verified in this official document.
Archbishop Aquila was the primary consecrating bishop.
It was good to see Archbishop Etienne again.