Bishop ordination Mass

[ericka1701]

On March 19th, I am attending the ordination of Bishop-elect Stika to the diocese of Knoxville. This will by my first time attending anything outside of “just” Mass (oh, but it’s so much more than “just” Mass… I’m just making a distinction ) and I was wanting to know what to expect. This is also the first time I’ve had the possiblity to meet a Bishop, so if I were to meet him, are there any protocols to follow? Besides the ordination, will the Mass itself be the same?

I have many, many more questions, and I’m not even sure of them all at this time… but if there is a website or book that I could read that someone could point me to, I’d be very greatful!!

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Well, the Mass will be the same – just a lot longer. The ordination of a bishop is a wonderful thing to see with aspects of the rite taking place throughout the Mass.

If you should meet the bishop you have a choice of several different protocols. The most formal is to kiss his ring while genuflecting on your left knee (not the right knee). The next is to simply kiss the ring. The least protocol is to simply shake hands. You may address the bishop as “Your Excellency” or “Bishop” (Eastern Catholics might call him “Your Grace” in English or use the local language variants, for example, in Arabic it is Sayedna).

Enjoy!

Deacon Ed

 

[ericka1701]

Deacon Ed, thanks so much for the reply!! I guess genuflecting on my left knee will be out (I had surgery on it last month), but I’m glad there are other options. I am really excited about going to this Mass, as this is my first Bishop since I became a Catholic!! The Knoxville See was vacant for right at a year and a half, so I know I’m not the only one excited about this ordination.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[Aramis]

Expect to see at least two other bishops; they will be the consecrators who ordain the bishop-elect. It’s possible that a dozen might show up. It is possible that one or more Eastern Catholic bishops may be present, and vested distinctively. It’s becoming more normative for this to happen, but is still not usual.

The rite of ordination is of considerable pomp and ceremony. Reading of the approval from Rome, the laying of on hands, the vesting a a bishop, and the enthronement as the bishop of the place.

Expect many concelebrant priests; don’t be surprised if the front several rows are reserved for concelebrants. Many, if not most, of the priests of his diocese should be present. Likewise, the priests of the overlapping EC eparchies may show up, again, vested per their rite.

On vistors from outside the Catholic Church
In some areas, Orthodox bishops may attend, and be seated in choir as bishops; they do not participate in the rituals of the mass; they will not be vested, but in their monastic robes with episcopal cloaks and kamalavkii (hats).

It is not uncommon for Episcopal and Lutheran bishops to attend as witnesses; they are usually seated in choir as well, and generally do not vest, wearing clerical suit.

Local civil dignitaries may also be in attendance, and seated in places with good views.