Bishop David John Malloy

Today our Diocese installed its ninth Bishop.  David John Malloy is a Wisconsin Native and has served the Church on a national and even international level.  This has been a wonderful two days of celebration and a mega liturgy.  Several of my brother priests have spoken about how excited they in receiving a man of his background and pastoral nature.  He seems to be a very kind and gentle man.

In actuality the Bishop is the full priest of the diocese.  Since it is difficult to celebrate 7:00 a.m. Mass at two dozen parishes, the Bishop will ordain Presbyters to assist him the ministry.  The Priest is ordained to preach, teach, and sanctify.  The Bishop stands as the head-shepherd of the local Church, or a diocese.  By the teachings and the policies of Bishop, a diocese receives a direction by which it responds to the needs and concerns of a particular local.

It is appropriate that we had the ordination and installation today being that it is the Feast of St. Matthias.  Matthias is appointed as the new apostles who would replace Judas.  This action was one of the first of many challenges that the early Church faced.  In addition to replacing apostles and devising the role of Deacons, the Church encountered some infighting and hostility from the outside.  The early faith communities continued to rely on the Eucharist and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide them.

But even today we have problems from the inside of the institution, as well as from without.  Like the early Church we are challenged to rely on the sacraments we have received, the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as the gifts and talents of shepherd like Bishop Malloy.  The tasks of the Church today, while they be daunting, are best answered through the human instruments like our Bishops.  Bishop Malloy asked that we pray for him, as he will pray for us.

May what God has begun in him be brought to completion.