Bishop Robert J. Carlson lays his hands on Bishop Paul J. Swain during the Rite of Ordination on Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, S.D. (Photo by Gene Young, the Bishop's Bulletin, Diocese of Sioux Falls)

Bishop Swain:
Joyful day for the new
bishop and his diocese

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

Bishop Paul J. Swain radiated joy on the day of his ordination as a bishop and consecration as the eighth bishop of Sioux Falls, S. D.

In his remarks at the end of the Mass on October 26 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, Bishop Swain said, "If you wonder whether I am happy to be Bishop of East River, I can say with joy and gratitude, 'You bet!'"

Solemn high Mass

About 975 people filled the cathedral for the solemn high Mass. The St. Joseph Cathedral Choir and guest organist Paul M. Weber provided music for the Mass.

The Knights of Columbus, Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, 20 visiting bishops, and dozens of priests, deacons, and seminarians joined religious and laity participating in the Mass.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the apostolic letter from Pope Benedict XVI appointing Bishop Swain as the bishop of Sioux Falls.

Ordination rite

	More on Swain ordination: See the Catholic Herald print edition for a special section on Bishop Paul J. Swain's ordination as bishop of Sioux Falls, S.D. For more pictures of Bishop Swain's ordination visit the Sioux Falls Catholic newspaper online at http://www.sfcatholic.org • Editorial -- Election day: Take Catholic values into voting booth Nov. 7

In his homily, Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis - the principal ordaining bishop - reminded those present that as successors to the apostles, bishops are sent into the world to preach the Gospel and sanctify and govern their flock. "The title of bishop is one of service. It is not one of honor," emphasized Archbishop Flynn.

In the ordination rite, the ordaining bishops and other bishops present lay their hands on Bishop Swain. His head was anointed with holy chrism and he was presented with the Book of the Gospels, as well as his ring, crozier, and miter.

Bishop Swain's remarks

In his remarks, Bishop Swain expressed gratitude to the priests and people of Sioux Falls, especially to the ordination planning committee under the direction of Fr. Charles Cimpl and Chancellor Jerry Klein and Fr. Martin Lawrence and others involved in "the beautiful liturgies."

Bishop Swain was "delighted" that his 86-year-old mother attended with other family members.

Full story ...

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