Longtime Philadelphia Priest Takes On New Role
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A mass of consecration for Philadelphia's newest auxiliary bishop was held in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the Parkway Thursday afternoon.
Retired Cardinal Justin Rigali joined his successor, Archbishop Charles Chaput, along with bishops from Harrisburg and New York, to ordain Bishop Edward Deliman as the 27th auxiliary in the history of the archdiocese.
Deliman, who has been working in ministry to the growing Latino community in the archdiocese, is expected to continue and expand that role.
During the consecration, Chaput presented Deliman with his shepherd's staff....
"Receive the crosier, the sign of your pastoral office and keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishop to govern the church of God."
The 69-year-old Deliman, who has been serving as priest for 43 years, addressed the packed cathedral in Spanish. Then, he thanked his family and many supporters for their confidence in his ministry:
"I pray for the grace that for you I can be a bishop and a good bishop and with you a Christian and a priest."