Installation Mass of Archbishop McGovern rich in symbolism, sacred tradition

The Episcopal Installation of the Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern as the sixth metropolitan archbishop of Omaha will begin on Wednesday, May 7, at 2 p.m., when he knocks on the door of St. Cecilia Cathedral. His knocking is just one of many ancient rituals to formally acknowledge that a new archbishop has arrived to shepherd the approximately 240,000 Catholics in northeast Nebraska.

Archbishop-designate McGovern will officially become the sixth archbishop and eleventh ordinary of the Archdiocese of Omaha when he sits in the cathedra – or bishop’s chair. He’ll be holding the crosier, his staff, which symbolizes his role as caretaker of his flock.

The Rev. Msgr. Veceslav Tumir, first counselor of the Apostolic Nunciature in the United States, will hand the crosier to the archbishop-designate, signaling the formal moment of installation.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, had planned to be at the installation but is in Rome for the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died April 21. The conclave begins May 7.

Before Archbishop-designate McGovern makes his way to the cathedra, however, several other rituals will take place. First, Father Jeremy Hans, rector of the cathedral, will open the doors to the new archbishop.

Upon entering the cathedral’s narthex, Father Hans will present the archbishop-designate with a crucifix to kiss. Next, he will be presented with holy water, which he will use to bless himself and those gathered in the narthex.

St. Cecilia Cathedral CATHOLIC VOICE FILE PHOTO

Among the groups gathered in the narthex to greet the new archbishop will be the College of Consultors, a body of priests with whom the archbishop consults before making certain decisions. The consulters and other groups will then lead Archbishop-designate McGovern in a procession into the sanctuary.

Once there, Rev. Msgr. Tumir will read the apostolic letter naming the former bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois, as the new archbishop of Omaha. He will then ask Archbishop-designate McGovern if he is prepared to take on his new responsibilities. After he affirms that he is, Rev. Msgr. Tumir shows the letter to the College of Consultors and the congregation.

At that point, Rev. Msgr. Tumir and Archbishop George J. Lucas will lead Archbishop-designate McGovern to the cathedra and give him the crosier. At this moment, he officially becomes the metropolitan archbishop of Omaha.

The new archbishop will be welcomed by members of the archdiocesan community, including clergy, Catholic schools, religious communities and other lay organizations. Following the installation, Mass will mostly continue as usual.

A unique aspect of an episcopal installation is that Mass begins and ends with different celebrants. As apostolic administrator, Archbishop Lucas begins the Mass from his cathedra for the final time. When Archbishop McGovern becomes archbishop, he will continue the Mass as its principal celebrant, and Mass continues with the singing of the Gloria.

Because of limited seating in the Cathedral, the Installation Mass is a ticketed event. However, all are encouraged to watch an enhanced livestream of the Installation Mass here. The livestream will begin at 1:40 p.m. and is also available at Archomaha.org. Spirit Catholic Radio will also broadcast the event live.

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