Two New Salesian Shepherds for the Church

Two New Salesian Shepherds for the Church

Card. Angel Fernandez Artime and Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti

(ANS – Rome – April 20, 2024) – The episcopal ordination of two eminent sons of Don Bosco, Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, titular archbishop of Ursona and rector major of the Salesians, and Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, titular archbishop of Gradisca and president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) took place in the basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday afternoon.

Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, former apostolic nuncio to Italy and San Marino, conferred the episcopal ordinations, alongside 2 co-consecrators: Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, SDB, archbishop of Rabat, Morocco; and Bp. Luc Van Looy, SDB,  bishop emeritus of Ghent, Belgium.

Many prelates and important dignitaries participated in the  Eucharistic celebration along with the families of the newly consecrated Salesians, friends, benefactors, and members of the Salesian family, joined by special invitees from governments and the military.

In his simple and impactful homily, Cardinal Tscherrig, the principal consecrator, shared insights with the soon-to-be-ordained bishops, affirming, “We have gathered here to celebrate one of the greatest miracles of the Church: the apostolic succession. Since the time of the Apostles, this succession has been transmitted through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. The grace of the episcopal ministry has always been passed from one bishop to another, and this unbroken succession continues to this day.”

Quoting Pope Francis, Cardinal Tscherrig stated, “Becoming a bishop implies a missionary choice capable of transforming everything.” He emphasized that those who accept the role of shepherds in Christ’s flock should learn to see people through the eyes of Christ, think like him, and love like him. Quoting Pope Francis once more, he affirmed, “Life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort. Indeed, those who enjoy life the most are those who leave the security of the shore and become excited about the mission of communicating life to others.” He concluded by stating that the bishop’s inheritance is not honor or power, but God alone. A good shepherd offers his life for the flock, following the example of Jesus Christ, and the newly consecrated bishops are called to emulate him completely.

Soon after the homily, the consecration ceremony commenced with the interrogation of the candidates, followed by the invocation to the Holy Spirit and the solemn intercession of the litany of all Saints, accompanied by the choir’s prayerful singing. As the consecrators performed the apostolic tradition of the imposition of hands, a sacred silence penetrated the magnificently adorned walls and roof of St. Mary Major. After being anointed and receiving their respective miters, rings, and staffs, the two newly consecrated bishops were symbolically enthroned, greeted by thunderous applause. The faithful, religious, clergy, and choir erupted in thanksgiving and joy, solemnly singing the “Te Deum.” The two newly ordained bishops proceeded to impart their apostolic blessings to all those present.

After Communion, Cardinal Fernandez, representing the new bishops, expressed his heartfelt gratitude with great enthusiasm in a Salesian spirit. He affirmed the strong communion of the Salesians with the Church and the Holy Father, which stems from Don Bosco, and with great humility and conviction declared that they will continue to serve the Church, especially the poor. The final solemn blessing by the presider of the Mass concluded the entire celebration, accompanied by the resonating voices singing a traditional hymn to Don Bosco, “Raise your voices…Don Bosco be with us!”

The sacred rites of the ordination within the Holy Eucharist bore witness to the universality of the Catholic Church. Apart from the general councilors, several provincials, and superiors from the Salesian Family from around the world, the solemn Mass had the presence and blessing of 11 cardinals, including Card. Tarcisio Bertone, SDB, former Vatican Secretary of State; Card. Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches; Card. Lazarus You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy; Card. Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship; Card. Domenico Calcagno, president emeritus of APSA; Card. Giuseppe Bertello, president emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State; Card Konrad Krajewski, prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity; Card. Cristobal Lopez Romero, SDB, archbishop of Rabat; Card. Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, SDB, archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay; Card. Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, archbishop emeritus of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Card. Riccardo Ezzati Andrello, SDB, archbishop emeritus of Santiago, Chile.