Yesterday, on the feast of the Visitation, we witnessed the installation of the 8th bishop of Providence, Thomas Tobin. We embrace him as our new father in faith, our shepherd, and guardian of our little flock. With his episcopal motto being "strong, loving, wise," his first homily was firm and clear, including the following:
And it is for that reason that we believe and proclaim important Christian values, values such as:
An unconditional commitment to the sanctity of human life, from the moment of conception till the time of natural death. I remain convinced, dear brothers and sisters, that this is the great moral challenge of our time and that future generations will judge us on how we have responded to the threats against life… Our non-negotiable belief in Holy Matrimony as designed by God and blessed by Jesus – a union of one man and one woman joined together in a lifetime commitment of life and love… The desire to promote common decency in entertainment, art and culture, to shield individuals, families and children from the corrupting influence of pornography and obscenity that degrades the human person… Our sincere concern for and commitment to the poor, the weak and the needy, all those in the world and in our own community who are not as blessed, not as fortunate as we are. Here too, we discover the real presence of Christ for He said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do unto me”… The need to promote honesty, integrity and civility in our personal and professional lives, in our daily relationships with one and another… A sincere desire to live in peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, recognizing that we generously forgive others because we too will often need to be forgiven…
These are among the values that Jesus taught, values that must be characteristic of His disciples. It is my fervent hope and prayer that members of the Church in the Diocese of Providence will never fail to speak these values with courage and conviction.
I was struck by one dimension of the day. Since the Mass of installation took place on a Marian feast, the vestments were blue. Seeing literally hundreds of deacons, priests, and bishops there to honour the young Israelite girl who raced over the hills to help her cousin in need was touching. At the heart of the mysteries, it brought out the filial piety of these men and respect for what is the feminine heart of the Church, which they serve whole-heartedly. They, as bridegrooms, offer themselves unto the shedding of their blood if necessary, so that Holy Mother Church might bear fruit according to God's plan. All subtle, profound, and true.
Finally, one particular fact was clear to all concerning this appointment -- this was the last act of John Paul II for America. The appointment was literally signed from Gemelli Hospital in Rome two days before the death of the pope. We are enormously grateful that he gave of himself as shepherd and father until the very end. May the soul of John Paul II rest in peace; God bless Bishop Tobin -- and all these fine men. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of their generous service.
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