Spokane Diocese installs sixth bishop

Hundreds of people lined up outside McCarthey Athletic Center to attend the installation Mass of Blase Cupich, Spokane Diocese's sixth bishop on Friday, Sept. 3.

Crowds of parochial school children, families, local choirs, members of the Spokane Catholic community, Knights of Columbus, deacons, priests and bishops sat in McCarthey awaiting the installation of Cupich.

Cupich was appointed the sixth bishop of Spokane on June 30, replacing retiring Bishop William Skylstad.

Cupich was born in Omaha, Neb., and was ordained in 1975. He continued to serve the Catholic community of Omaha and neighboring cities until 1998. That year, Cupich was appointed bishop of Rapid City, S.D., and served until his installation as bishop of Spokane Diocese. Cupich is also the chair of the Bishop's Committee on the Protection for Children and Young People.

The Sept. 3 installation Mass was filled with tradition and feelings of a new beginning. The floor of McCarthey housed rows of priests, deacons, more than two dozen bishops and members of the Knights of Columbus Fourth-Degree Honor guard.

"It was a personal treat to see all these holy men together, men who have dedicated their life to God," said Kyle Ratuiste, a second-year Bishop White Seminary student.

The mass followed in a very traditional manner. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the Apostolic Mandate, written by Pope Benedict XVI, to the audience. The mandate was shown to the college of consultors and then to the people. Cupich was seated in the cathedra, the bishop's chair, and handed the crosier, the pastoral staff. With this presentation, Cupich officially became bishop of Spokane.

Though seeming procedural, the first moments of the Mass are rooted in deep Catholic tradition. In the past it was necessary for the Apostolic Mandate to be shown to a college of consulters and to the people to prove its authenticity, according to Deacon Jeff Lewis. Each pope has a ring with his seal and such an important document is to be sealed by this ring. Viewing the seal on the letter proves that this is an official Vatican document and appointment.

"I am very positive about the effect Cupich will have on the community, a new bishop brings a new energy," said Don Weber, pastoral administrator of St. Aloysius Parish.

In his homily, Cupich communicated a new energy and voice for the Church. He focused on the Church's commitment to face the challenges that child abuse cases have brought about.

Cupich claimed that these challenges are "calling [the Catholic Community] to be adults," and "[they] are born for this day."

He also commented on how the schoolchildren at the installation were there "as a reminder, watching [everyone], watching [that] moment. How [adults] respond to this challenge and others will teach them the most."

With these words Cupich was clear that the diocese is reaching a new dawn to respond to these "demanding times."

"Cupich is a man about business, he is much more involved," Lewis said.

"He is good at solidifying everyone on a central focus," Ratuiste said.

Even among the lay community there seems to be optimism and excitement about Cupich.

"He is a highly respected priest. He is known for being good with laypeople," Weber said.

Deacon Lewis said that on his trip here from Washington, D.C., he ran into the ex-arch Bishop of Washington, D.C. The archbishop stated that Rome was thinking very carefully about whom they were to place in Spokane.

It seems that Rome's careful consideration and choice in Cupich has been greeted with excitement and open arms.

As the Mass at McCarthey drew to a close, the building seemed filled with hope and good humor. The community members raised their hands in applause and their voices in song to welcome Bishop Cupich.

"We are very lucky to have him," Weber said.