The Thanksgiving Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye of Singapore.
Time : Sunday, 24 February 2013 at 10 am
Location : Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, ‘A’ Queen Street, City Hall area, Singapore
Do come and show our support to the newly ordained Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh in his thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
On the Feast of Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle, in the presence of 14,000 of the faithful and many other invited state and religious dignitaries, and the presence of several bishops of the region, the priests of the Archdiocese of Singapore, and the priests and religious from the region, from Malaysia, and even from India, and Myanmar, Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye was ordained bishop by the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.
Aiding Archbishop Girelli, as the co-consecrators were Archbishop of Singapore, Archbishop Nicholas Chia, and Metropolitan Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam. Also present, and helped with the ordination were the Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Kota Kinabalu, Archbishop John Lee; his successor, Archbishop John Wong; the Bishop of Penang, Bishop Sebastian Francis, and many other archbishops and bishops from the region.
In his speech at the end of the Mass, the newly ordained Archbishop William Goh thanked all those who had made the Ordination Mass possible, despite the short time period of 55 days since the announcement that he has been made the Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore. He thanked the organising committee for their hard work to ensure that a proper place is secured and everything falls right into place on the day of the event. He showed that the Church in Singapore is vibrant, and can indeed grow even more, and that all of us the faithful, has to be proactive, and reach out to others, and not be passive. He and Archbishop Girelli also warned against the temptations of the modern world, including moral relativism and other forms of relativism.
Now that our Coadjutor Archbishop has finally been ordained, let us all pray for him, that as he begin this new journey, this new ministry as bishop, Archbishop William Goh will continue to be guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, that through him and his works, our faith in God will continue to be ever strengthened.
http://www.catholicnews.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8454:programme-for-ordination-mass&catid=328:episcopal-ordination&Itemid=147 (programme and details of the Mass, including the hymns to be used in the Episcopal Ordination Mass)
PROGRAMME FOR ORDINATION MASS
FRI 22 FEB 2013 AT 7.30PM
SINGAPORE EXPO, THE MAX PAVILION (TMP) AND HALL 9
| Time | Event | Remarks |
| 4.00pm | Doors open | |
| 6.30pm | Praise and Worship | |
| 7.00pm | Arrival of Guests | |
| 7.10pm | Arrival of Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and Mrs Menon | Welcomed by Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Mr Xavier Wan, Chairman of Organising Committee and Mr Andrew Low, Vice-Chairman of Organising Committee |
| 7.15pm | Arrival of DPM, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean and Mrs Teo | |
| 7.20pm | Arrival of President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Mrs Tan | |
| 7.30pm – 10.30pm | Mass begins with Entrance Hymns: 1) Priestly People 2) Praise to the Lord 3) The Church’s One Foundation 4) Great is Thy Faithfulness 5) Behold Among Men 6) Great Is Thy Faithfulness 7) Entrance Chant |
Procession of Archbishops and Priests |
| Greeting, Penitential Rite, Kyrie | ||
| The Gloria | ||
| Collect | ||
| Liturgy of the Word: 1) First Reading (1 Peter 5: 1-4) 2) Responsorial Psalm (Ps 22) 3) Second Reading (2 Cor 5:13-21) |
To be seated | |
| Gospel Acclamation | To stand | |
| Gospel (Matthew 16: 13-19) | ||
| Rite of Ordinationbeginning with Hymn Veni Creator Spiritus | To stand | |
| Presentation of the Elect | ||
| Reading of the Apostolic Letter and Consent of the People | To be seated | |
| Homily | Remain seated | |
| Promise of the Elect | ||
| Litany of Supplication | To stand | |
| Litany of the Saints | To kneel; Non-Catholics may be seated | |
| Laying on of Hands | To stand | |
| Book of Gospel | ||
| Prayer of Consecration | ||
| Anointing of the Bishop’s Head · Chrism · Bread to clean oil from head · Zucchetto · Wash bowl for Consecrator |
Remain standing | |
| Presentation of the Book of Gospels | ||
| Investiture of Bishop · Ring · Mitre · Crozier Antiphon: Cantate Domino Cantate Novum |
||
| Procession to Seat of Bishop · Anthem based on Bishop’s motto |
Remain standing | |
| Kiss of Peace · Hymn – Make us True Servants |
Seated during singing of hymn | |
| Liturgy of the Eucharist · Offertory Procession · Singing of Hymns – 1) Jubilate Deo (done in 4 languages – Bahasa, English, Mandarin, and Tamil) 2) Take my life and Let it Be |
Remain seated | |
| Invitation to Prayer Prayer over the offerings Preface |
To stand | |
| Sanctus | ||
| Eucharistic Prayer Memorial acclamation Great Amen |
To kneel; Non-Catholics may be seated | |
| Lord’s Prayer | To stand | |
| Lamb of God | To kneel; Non-Catholics may be seated | |
| Communion Hymns: 1) Ecce Panie 2) I Am the Bread of Life (verses in Bahasa, English, Mandarin, and Tamil) 3) Holy Is the Lord |
To be seated – Reception of Holy Communion is only for Baptised Catholics – At this juncture, Priests on stage would be led by wardens to 120 different points within TMP and Hall 9 to distribute Communion |
|
| Solemn Blessing Hymns: 1) Te Deum 2) Magnifcat |
To stand – Newly ordained Coadjutor Archbishop will walk around TMP and Hall 9 to bless the congregation |
|
| Short Address by His Grace Archbishop Nicholas Chia | To be seated | |
| Short Address by Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh | ||
| Recessional 1) Long Live The Pope 2) We Stand For God |
To stand Procession of Priests |
|
| 10.30pm | Dispersal of Congregation | |
| Light Refreshments for VIPs only in Omega Room 1&2 |
The Episcopal Ordination of the Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, Msgr. William Goh, will be held at the EXPO, Singapore, tomorrow, Friday, 22 February 2013, on the Feast of Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle, beginning at 7.30 pm.
For those who are going for the event, the doors will be open at 4.00 pm, and sessions of prayer will begin at 6.30 pm to prepare for the Ordination Mass which will begin at 7.30 pm. The event will be held at both MAX Pavilion and Hall 9 of EXPO. It is highly advised to take the public transport to the site, as parking spaces may be limited, and to avoid traffic jam during the event.
For more details on tomorrow and the following events after the Ordination Mass, please visit the CatholicNews site at :
The official press release on the Episcopal Ordination of the Coadjutor Archbishop can be found here :
(Text below)
The Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli will preside at the Mass for the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor William Goh as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore. He will be assisted by Archbishop of Singapore Nicholas Chia, and Archbishop Murphy Pakiam from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The Ordination will be held on 22ndFebruary at 7.30 pm at the Singapore Expo (The Max Pavilion and Expo Hall 9).
The Ordination will be witnessed by the President and Mrs Tony Tan Keng Yam, who will be joined by other dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister and Mrs Teo Chee Hean, Members of Parliament, the President and members of the Inter-Religious Organisation, the clergy, religious and laity from Singapore and around the region.
On Saturday, 23rd February 2013, at 10.30am, Prime Minister and Mrs Lee Hsien Loong, as well as Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Lawrence Wong, will attend an Official Reception at the Catholic Spirituality Centre at Upper Serangoon Road, together with other VIPs.
Meanwhile, the Mass is expected to attract a capacity crowd of about 14,000 people from across the Catholic community in Singapore. This historic milestone in the calendar of the Singapore Catholic church comes close on the heels of the Vatican’s announcement of Msgr William’s appointment on 29th December, 2012 as the Coadjutor Archbishop
Mgsr William, who is the fourth and current Rector of St Francis Xavier Major Seminary in Singapore, was ordained as a priest on 1st May, 1985 by the late Archbishop Gregory Yong at the Church of the Holy Family. During his 27 years of service as a priest he has distinguished himself as a visionary and change-agent, turning around not just the culture of organisations especially the way seminarians are formed but also the lives of thousands through the Conversion Experience Retreats that he conducts. He is also a persuasive homilist and convincing teacher, drawing large audiences to the weekly spiritual growth talks that he conducts at the Catholic Spirituality Centre and the daily scripture reflections he posts on its website. Hence, the wide interest among many who will come to witness the Mass for the ordination of Msgr William. Among qualities attributed to him are that he is a people’s priest; one who is at once passionate about his ministry and the Church yet compassionate with all those who are wounded and in need of spiritual, emotional and psychological healing. Notwithstanding the many demands on his time, he is always ready to make time for others, often at the expense of his own comfort. He is a unifying figure who firmly subscribes to the Principles of St Augustine of unity in essentials, diversity in non-essentials but in all things, charity.
Msgr William, in sharing his thoughts on his new role said: “I see a powerhouse of bubbling enthusiasm, grace and talent among the Presbyterium and Laity (particularly the youth) that can be harnessed and unleashed to propel the Church forward in this new millennium. Together, we must find new and creative ways to catechize our youth, who are looking for a faith that is personal, real and tangible. We must harness modern technology to influence the values of society. We must also give greater attention to the family and married life, which is under threat by a world that no longer believes in the sanctity and indissolubility of the Sacrament of Matrimony. We must protect the institution of the family, which is the first cradle for Catholic spirituality. The Church must reclaim its voice in influencing world views, without fear, particularly with respect to the universal values of truth and justice. We must continue to steadfastly resist the lure of secularism and relativism which threaten to suppress the voice of God by working assiduously in the areas of inter-religious dialogue and ecumenism. Unless religions unite, faith will be relegated to the private domain of an individual’s life, thereby weakening the impact of religions on society and morality.”
Notwithstanding the issues at large, Msgr William said, “What I hope for above all in my episcopacy is to be both an encouraging and supportive brother to my priests, empowering them in their ministry, and a compassionate and caring father to the laity. We must, therefore, work to becoming a vibrant, faith-filled, visionary and evangelical Church and not be complacent or satisfied with a maintenance Church. This will be achieved not only by me, nor the clergy, religious or just the laity, but together as the entire People of God in unity. Hence, ‘passion’ and ‘compassion’ will be the hallmarks and thrust of my ministry in renewing the Church in Singapore.”
The Ordination Mass
The Ordination Mass will be preceded by half an hour of Praise and Worship at 6.30 pm.
The Episcopal Ordination Mass begins with the procession of Bishops and Priests, followed by the Greeting, Penitential Rite, the Gloria, the Collect and the The Liturgy of the Word.
This will be followed immediately by the Rite of Ordination, when the Elect is presented. The Apostolic Letter is then read and the Consent of the People given. His Excellency, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, will then deliver a Homily, after which the Elect will make his Promise, followed by the Laying on of Hands on the candidate.
Following this will be the Prayer of Consecration, Anointing of the Bishop’s head and Presentation of the Book of Gospels before the Investiture. During the investiture ceremony, the newly-appointed Bishop will be presented with his ring, the mitre and crozier. The newly ordained Coadjutor Archbishop will then be led to the Seat of Bishop and embraced by the Bishops in a Kiss of Peace.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist will follow, where there will be an Offertory Procession, Holy Communion and Solemn Blessing.
A 322-strong combined church choir from the 31 parishes in Singapore will be in attendance to provide the sacramental music. In addition, 579 lay volunteers drawn from parishes across Singapore will serve in various capacities as altar servers, wardens, ushers, security, public relations and other duties. The Episcopal Ordination Mass will be concelebrated by 17 bishops and 151 priests from Singapore and the region.
As Coadjutor Archbishop
Msgr William will be the second Singapore-born clergyman to hold the office of Archbishop. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd will be the seat of Coadjutor Archbishop William when the current Archbishop Nicholas Chia retires. Thereafter, Archbishop William will lead the flock of 31 churches (28 parish churches and 3 non- parish churches). As at October 2012, there are 71 diocesan priests, 71 religious priests, 35 religious brothers and 166 sisters serving the people in different capacities, from parish priests, counsellors, social workers to teachers and nurses.
The Catholic population in Singapore is approximately 303,000, which includes permanent residents and foreigners living and working here.
Continuing from the first part, in which I elaborated on the Episcopal Ordination ceremony itself, let us now take a look at the office of the Episcopate itself, that is of a bishop. One may ask, who is a bishop? Bishops are ‘overseers’, which came from the Greek word, Episkopos, which means overseers, as in the early Church, there are those appointed to succeed the Apostles and oversee the Christian communities, to care for them like shepherds care for their flocks of sheep.
Such was the origin of the episcopate, with bishops as those appointed in positions of authority and with oversight over the laity and the religious alike, to keep them faithful to God, and united to the successor of the blessed Apostle Peter, who is our Pope.
This development of the early Church eventually become an office on its own, a separate level from the priesthood, as in the episcopate, there is a fulfillment and completion of the holy orders, which is symbolised by the bishop wearing both the deacon’s dalmatic, and the priest’s chasuble over the dalmatic. This symbolises the union of the ministry of the diaconate and the priesthood in the person of the bishop, who represents the completion of holy orders.
Cardinals and Popes are not separate orders on their own, unlike the diaconate, priesthood, and the episcopate, as these are just different types of bishops, with Cardinals usually being bishops from important dioceses/archdioceses in the world, and the officials of the Roman Curia (the body governing the Universal Church), and the Pope, being the Bishop of Rome, is still a bishop, but is preeminent due to him being the successor of the Apostle Peter, to whom Christ entrusted His Church, and thus the Pope becomes the very Vicar of Christ in this world.
There are also many types of bishops, which I will elaborate further below :
1. Diocesan bishops : These are the ordinary bishops, who head a diocese. A diocese is a division of the Church in a certain geographical area consisting of the faithful in Christ, who may share same culture, language, and customs, or may be of diverse linguistic and cultural origins.
2. Archbishops : These are the bishops who head a more important diocese, either by location, or by history, or by some other reasons. These dioceses therefore are also correspondingly named archdioceses. There are two types of archdioceses :
a. Metropolitan Archdiocese : An archdiocese that has an overseer status over one or more other dioceses (called suffragan dioceses or suffragan sees) which are grouped together into an Ecclesiastical Province (or Province of the Church), and headed by a Metropolitan Archbishop, whose distinguishing feature is that he wears a pallium (a woolen shoulder band with black crosses).
b. Archdioceses (directly subject) : These Archdioceses are important dioceses which has either been historically a metropolitan see or diocese that were elevated to an archdiocese status, but these are not overseeing any dioceses under them, and therefore stand alone on its own, directly subject to the Holy See, to the Pope, instead of through a Metropolitan. The Archdiocese of Singapore is of this type.
3. Auxiliary bishops : These are ‘helper’ bishops, who are appointed in larger dioceses/archdioceses to help with the administration of the diocese/archdiocese’s large Catholic population. May also succeed the diocesan bishop/archbishop upon retirement if selected by the Pope, but this succession is not automatic (not like that of a coadjutor). They are given titular see (diocese/archdiocese) upon their appointment as auxiliary bishop.
4. Coadjutor Archbishops/Bishops : These are bishops/archbishops appointed to dioceses/archdioceses to succeed the diocesan bishop/archbishop, whose age may be nearing 75 or in ill health. Bishops have to submit their resignation to the Pope upon reaching the age of 75, so the appointment of a coadjutor is a way to ensure that the diocese does not become vacant if the diocesan bishop resigns, and is a good way to prepare the coadjutor for the eventual succession and duty as the new bishop of the diocese. Coadjutors are not given any titular sees since they are bound immediately to the see (diocese/archdiocese) which they are to succeed in the future.
5. Titular dioceses/archdioceses : These are usually ancient dioceses/archdioceses, mostly located in North Africa and the Middle East, which due to historical events, had fallen into seclusion and extinction. Some can also be found in Europe and Italy, where some dioceses and archdiocese had been suppressed in the past, and become titular sees. These are now given to Apostolic Nuncios, Apostolic Delegates, and the auxiliary bishops.
6. Major Archdioceses : These are only found in the Eastern Catholic Churches, namely the main diocese in the Syro-Malankar, Syro-Malabar, Romanian, and Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Churches, whose importance place them into this special type of Archdioceses, but not high enough to be given the title of a Patriarchate itself.
7. Patriarchate (Latin and Eastern Catholic) : These are the special Patriarchal sees headed by a Patriarch, which in the Eastern Catholic Churches are the leaders of their respective Churches, in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. They are the Patriarchs of the ancient Pentarchy, of Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Antioch, and historically of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). However, in our approach to our sister Church of the Eastern Orthodox (who is not yet in full communion with Rome), we respect their Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, who is the leader of the Eastern Orthodox faithful. Latin Patriarchates also exist in Lisbon, Venice, and Goa, which are headed by Roman Catholic Archbishops, but with special Patriarchal title, due to their distinctive history in the Church. Rome itself was a Patriarchate (of the West) until 2006, but was abolished by Pope Benedict XVI to better reflect the position of the Pope as the leader of the Universal Church, and not just the Church of the West (the Roman Church).
So, therefore, after talking about bishops, who they are, and what types of bishops are there, let us now look into the vestments and the items particular to bishops, all of which are steeped in the tradition of the faith and filled with deep symbolism.
1. Working dress (worn outside Mass and important events, the daily wear of bishops, and also for Cardinals and Popes)
a. Simar
A simar is a special type of cassock worn by the bishops, cardinals, and popes, that is a cassock with a shoulder cape, and a sash (around the waist), which is violet for bishops, scarlet for cardinals, and white for popes. As is well known, the Pope’s simar is white in colour, while bishop’s and cardinal’s simar is black, and with violet lining for bishops, and scarlet lining for cardinals.
b. Pectoral cross (also part of the pontificalia and the choir dress)
The pectoral cross is worn as its name suggests, on the breast, to represent Christ who protects us from harm, as noted in the prayer of the bishop when he wear the pectoral cross before the Mass, called Munire me digneris : Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum. (May You graciously protect me, o Lord Jesus Christ, from all the snares of all my enemies, the sign of the Your most holy Cross: that You would vouch and grant to me and all unworthy of being Your servant, that I may receive the Cross, filled with the remains of Your Saints, in front of my breast, I hold, then it always in mind, but retain the memory of the passion, martyrs and saints victories.).
This is because pectoral crosses are usually precious and contain the relics of the saints, which therefore be further a reminder that the bishop carries with Him at all times, Christ, and His holy Saints, and a reminder of the Cross, through which the salvation of our Lord comes to us.
c. Zucchetto (or skullcap)
Zucchetto is from the Italian word which means small gourd, because its shape which resembles (half of) a pumpkin. This is a head covering item for the bishops, cardinals, and popes, with the similar pattern of violet for bishops, scarlet for cardinals, and white for popes. This item has a lot in common and may have originated from the Jewish prayer cap, which is somewhat different from the zucchetto in appearance. Originally zucchetto has a practical use in the past, since the clergy in that era were tonsured, that is having their head shaved at the centre, and thus, without the present day heating available, during cold times, the head of the prelate (bishops) would become cold, and the zucchetto came in handy as a covering.
Nowadays, it is a symbol of prayer, and also honor, and therefore, as a sign of humility, it is always removed at the beginning of the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer and the head of the bishops (including cardinals and Popes) remain bare throughout the Eucharistic Prayer and the Communion.
d. Episcopal ring
The episcopal ring symbolises the bishop as the shepherd is married to God’s Church, in particular the diocese and the sheep, the faithful in Christ whom he is supposed to guide as the shepherd. The prayer the bishop said when wearing it reflects that this ring is also a symbol of virtue and sanctification, and blessing : Cordis et corporis mei, Domine, digitos virtute decora, et septiformis Spiritus sanctificatione circumda. (With my heart and of my body, O Lord, decorate my fingers with virtue, and sanctify me with the sevenfold blessing of the Holy Spirit around me).
2. Choir dress (worn during the Mass if the bishop is not the celebrant or concelebrant in the Mass, and events like Vespers, and also worn outside for important events)
a. Cassock with fascia/sash
This cassock with sash style is similar to the simar, but is entirely violet for bishops and scarlet for cardinals (as opposed to black with violet or scarlet lining)
b. Rochet
A beautiful, usually thin, either white or translucent, and laced piece of clothing worn over the cassock and the fascia, as seen worn above by Monsignor Georg Ganswein, now Archbishop Ganswein, Prefect of the Pontifical Household.
c. Mozzetta
Mozzetta (violet for bishops) is a shoulder cape worn over the rochet and the cassock.
d. Pectoral cross
Similar with in working dress, but more often worn with a cord rather than a chain.
e. Zucchetto
Violet for bishops. Similar as in the working dress.
f. Biretta
A hat-like item which has the same ancestry as our modern academic mortar board (worn on the graduations in universities), which is violet for bishops and has a pom-pom like object on the top. Only has three peaks, and the unpeaked side is always worn on the left.
3. Bishop’s Pontificalia (worn during the Mass when celebrating)
a. Dalmatic
Similar as those worn by deacons, which has squarish-edges as compared to the chasuble (which has more rounded edges), worn over the alb but under the chasuble. Here is the picture of our Pope Benedict XVI wearing the dalmatic during the consecration of a new church in Rome, after he took off his chasuble for the anointing of the altar with holy oils.
b. Chasuble
Chasuble as worn by the priests, worn over the dalmatic and the stole, and in this picture, Pope Benedict XVI wore the more traditional Roman-style chasuble, and very visibly underneath the chasuble, is the dalmatic. Only bishops can wear both the chasuble and the dalmatic.
c. Pectoral cross
Worn under the chasuble, not over the chasuble, either the normal chained or corded pectoral cross. Not correctly worn when worn above the chasuble, although many bishops seem to do this. Pope Benedict XVI himself consistently wear the pectoral cross under the chasuble since the beginning of his Pontificate.
d. Episcopal ring
Worn on the finger, which signify his marriage to God and His Church.
e. Mitre
Worn over the zucchetto on the head, and was developed from the camelaucum, or the secular headdress of the late Roman Empire and early Byzantine Empire, where they are also worn by the Popes and the Roman priests, and gradually was restricted only to bishops and abbots.
The mitre symbolises the teaching authority of the bishops, which are symbolised by the two peaks of the mitre, representing the Old and the New Testament, and also recall the flames of the Holy Spirit that inflame the hearts of the Apostles to spread the Good News to all peoples. Therefore, these represents the authority of the bishop to teach the Gospel through the Holy Spirit and based on the Scripture, the Word of God, both the Old and the New Testament. The two lappets behind the mitre themselves also represent the Old and the New Testament, the two sides of the Lord’s Sacred Scripture (which shape looks just like a book marker).
f. Crosier (Pastoral staff)
The crosier, or the pastoral staff is the crook-like staff, reminding us on the shepherd’s crook, which they use to shepherd their sheep. Thus, the crosier represents the bishops’ role as the shepherds of the people of God, and guide them in their journey towards the Lord, the Chief Shepherd, the Good Shepherd.
g. Pallium (only for Metropolitan Archbishops and the Pope)
The pallium is a woolen band worn around the shoulder. This represent the metropolitan’s role as the overseer of the faithful, over the sheep of the Lord, that is the faithful people of God, just like Jesus, the Good Shepherd carrying His sheep on His shoulder. Therefore, the pallium represents both the authority of the metropolitan, and the burden presented by his ministry in the service of the Lord.
The pallium used to be much wider, as reflected in the earlier pallium that Pope Benedict XVI wore, which used the style not worn since a millenia ago, in the earlier days of the Church. Now the most common form of the pallium is a shorter and narrower woolen band worn around the shoulders, and adorned with three pins that represent the nails that pieced Christ on the cross, and these pins were placed onto the black crosses (red for Pope Benedict XVI’s new, larger pallium and the earlier, much larger pallium), which represent the wounds of Christ.
After all that, and after looking into what a bishop is, what is the nature of the ministry of the bishops, the types of bishops, what they wear and what symbolisms are there in them, let us now take a time to pray, and pray indeed for the soon-to-be ordained Coadjutor Archbishop, William Goh, of the Archdiocese of Singapore.
May God be with him all the days of his new ministry as bishop, and strengthen him at all times, that when his ministry begins this Friday, the Holy Spirit will guide him and keep him faithful to the ministry he has been chosen for, forever and ever. Amen!
What is an Episcopal Ordination? It is the event celebrated with a Mass that mark the continuation of the Apostolic ministry to a new bishop, signified most importantly by the laying of hands by other bishops and the presiding bishop (consecrator), and the imposition of the pontificalia or the vestments and items particular to bishops, which are all representative of his ministry as bishop.
I have written this in conjunction with the Episcopal Ordination of the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Singapore, Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, which will be held in the EXPO, Singapore on Friday, 22 February 2013, on the Feast of Chair of St. Peter.
Some terms :
Consecrator : the main presiding bishop at the Episcopal Ordination, similar to celebrant in the celebration of the Mass. In the case of Friday’s ordination, it will be the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli
Co-consecrators : the assistant bishops at the Episcopal Ordination, similar to concelebrant in the celebration of the Mass. In the case of Friday’s ordination, it will be the Archbishop of Singapore, Archbishop Nicholas Chia, and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam.
Other bishops present in the Ordination can also help out with the laying of the hands, following that of the consecrator and co-consecrator’s laying of hands.
The ceremony itself will begin as a usual Mass would, beginning with the entrance procession. The new bishop to be ordained usually walks in front of the presiding bishop (consecrator), and usually accompanied by two deacons (just as all bishops should, that means the presiding bishop too when available should also have two deacons to accompany him).
Then begin the Mass as usual with the incensing of the altar, the sign of the Cross, the opening address if there is any, and followed by the Penitential Act (I confess to Almighty God…) and the Kyrie (Lord have mercy). Gloria follows after that. One may ask that this is Lenten season where Gloria is not used, but the day of the ordination for this case, 22 February falls on the Feast of Chair of St. Peter where Gloria is used (as is Te Deum later in the ceremony).
After Gloria concludes, then it comes to the opening prayer, and then the readings come as per the usual Mass. First Reading, followed by the Psalm, and finally by the Gospel. No Alleluia for this case since it happens during Lent, and at Lent Alleluia is always omitted, so we have the Lenten Gospel Acclamation instead.
After the Gospel, the Ordination ceremony proper begins.
The first part begins with usually the singing of the Hymn of the Holy Spirit (Veni Creator Spiritus), with all the verses used. Then after the Hymn is completed, this is followed by the presentation of the Bishop/Archbishop-elect, that is Coadjutor Archbishop-elect William Goh in this case (He is not yet legally and validly bishop at this point).
The presiding bishop can give a homily following the presentation of the Bishop-elect, usually to explain on the ministry of the bishop and the nature of that ministry.
Then the promise/vow of the bishop-elect follows, where the new Bishop solemnly vows before God his promise : (In Latin and English)
1. Latin : Antiqua sanctorum Patrum institutio praecipit, ut, qui Episcopus ordinandus est, coram populo interrogetur de proposito fidei servandae et muneris exsequendi.
Vultis ergo, frater carissimus (fratres carissimi if plural), munus nobis ab Apostolis creditum et vobis per impositionem manuum nostrarum tradendum cum gratia Spiritus Sancti usque ad mortem explere?
English : The ancient rule of the holy Fathers ordains that a Bishop-elect is to be questioned in the presence of the people on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duty.
And so dear brothers, do you resolve by the grace of the Holy Spirit to discharge until death the office entrusted to us by the Apostles, which we are about to pass on to you by the laying on of our hands?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
2. Latin : Vultis Evangelium Christi fideliter et indesinenter praedicare?
English : Do you resolve to preach the Gospel of Christ with constancy and fidelity?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
3. Latin : Vultis depositum fidei, secundum traditionem inde ab Apostolis in Ecclesia semper et ubique servatam, purum et integrum custodire?
English : Do you resolve to guard the deposit of faith, entire and incorrupt, as handed down by the Apostles and preserved in the Church everywhere and at all times?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
4. Latin : Vultis corpus Christi, Ecclesiam eius, aedificare et eius unitate cum Ordine Episcoporum, sub auctoritate successoris beati Petri Apostoli, permanere?
English : Do you resolve to build up the body of Christ, His Church, and to remain in the unity of that body together with the Order of Bishops under the authority of the successor of Saint Peter the Apostle?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
5. Latin : Vultis beati Petri Apostoli successori, obaedientiam fideliter exhibere?
English : Do you resolve to render obedience faithfully to the succesor of the blessed Apostle Peter?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
6. Latin : Vultis plebem Dei sanctam, cum comministris vestris presbyteris et diaconis, ut pii pater, fovere et in viam salutis dirigere?
English : Do you resolve to guide the holy people of God in the way of salvation as devoted father and sustain them with the help of your fellow ministers, the priests, and deacons?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
7. Latin : Vultis pauperibus et peregrinis omnibusque indigentibus propter nomen Domini affabiles et misericordes vos praebere?
English : Do you resolve, for the sake of the Lord’s Name, to be welcoming and merciful to the poor, to strangers, and to all who are in need?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
8. Latin : Vultis oves errantes ut boni pastores requirere et ovili dominico aggregare?
English : Do you resolve as good shepherds to seek out the sheep who stray and gather them into the Lord’s fold?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo (English : I do)
9. Latin : Vultis Deum omnipotentem pro populo sancto indesinenter orare et sine reprehensione summi sacerdotii munus explere?
English : Do you resolve to pray without ceasing to Almighty God for the holy people and to carry out the office of high priest without reproach?
The bishop-elect answers : Volo, Deo auxiliante (English : I do, with the help of God)
After this, the Litany of the Saints begins, asking the prayer from all the saints, martyrs, and all holy men of God to pray for the new bishop. The bishop-elect prostrate himself on the floor as a sign of humility before God, during the Litany of the Saints.
(R = reply) (Here shown both Latin and English versions)
1. Kyrie, eleison R : Kyrie, eleison
Lord, have mercy R : Lord, have mercy
2. Christe, eleison R : Christe, eleison
Christ have mercy R : Christ, have mercy
3. Kyrie, eleison R : Kyrie, eleison
Lord have mercy R : Lord, have mercy
4. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei R : ora pro nobis
Holy Mary, Mother of God R : pray for us
5. Sancte Michael R : ora pro nobis
Saint Michael R : pray for us
6. Sancti Angeli Dei R : orate pro nobis
Holy Angels of God R : pray for us
7. Sancte Ioannes Baptista R : ora pro nobis
Saint John the Baptist R : pray for us
8. Sancte Ioseph R : ora pro nobis
Saint Joseph R : pray for us
9. Sancte Petre R : ora pro nobis
Saint Peter R : pray for us
10. Sancte Paule R : ora pro nobis
Saint Paul R : pray for us
11. Sancte Andrea R : ora pro nobis
Saint Andrew R : pray for us
12. Sancte Iacobe R : ora pro nobis
Saint James R : pray for us
13. Sancte Ioannes R : ora pro nobis
Saint John R : pray for us
14. Sancte Thoma R : ora pro nobis
Saint Thomas R : pray for us
15. Sancte Iacobe R : ora pro nobis
Saint James R : pray for us
16. Sancte Philippe R : ora pro nobis
Saint Philip R : pray for us
17. Sancte Bartholomae R : ora pro nobis
Saint Bartholomew R : pray for us
18. Sancte Matthae R : ora pro nobis
Saint Matthew R : pray for us
19. Sancte Simon R : ora pro nobis
Saint Simon R : pray for us
20. Sancte Thaddae R : ora pro nobis
Saint Thaddeus R : pray for us
21. Sancte Matthia R : ora pro nobis
Saint Matthew R : pray for us
22. Sancta Maria Magdalena R : ora pro nobis
Saint Mary Magdalene R : pray for us
23. Sancte Stephane R : ora pro nobis
Saint Stephen R : pray for us
24. Sancte Ignati Antiochene R : ora pro nobis
Saint Ignatius of Antioch R : pray for us
25. Sancte Laurenti R : ora pro nobis
Saint Lawrence R : pray for us
26. Sanctae Perpetua et Felicitas R : orate pro nobis
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity R : pray for us
27. Sancta Agnes R : ora pro nobis
Saint Agnes R : pray for us
28. Sancte Georgi R : ora pro nobis
Saint George R : pray for us
29. Sancte Fortunate R : ora pro nobis
Saint Fortunatus R : pray for us
30. Sancte Gregori R : ora pro nobis
Saint Gregory R : pray for us
31. Sancte Augustine R : ora pro nobis
Saint Augustine R : pray for us
32. Sancte Athanasi R : ora pro nobis
Saint Athanasius R : pray for us
33. Sancte Basili R : ora pro nobis
Saint Basil R : pray for us
34, Sancte Martine R : ora pro nobis
Saint Martin R : pray for us
35. Sancte Nicolae R : ora pro nobis
Saint Nicholas R : pray for us
36. Sancte Benedicte R : ora pro nobis
Saint Benedict R : pray for us
37. Sancte Francisce et Dominice R : orate pro nobis
Saint Francis and Saint Dominic R : pray for us
38. Sancte Francisce Xavier R : ora pro nobis
Saint Francis Xavier R : pray for us
39. Sancte Vincenti de Paul R : ora pro nobis
Saint Vincent de Paul R : pray for us
40. Sancte Ioannes Maria Vianney R : ora pro nobis
Saint John Mary Vianney R : pray for us
41. Sancta Catharina Senensis R : ora pro nobis
Saint Catherine of Siena R : pray for us
42. Sancta Teresia a Iesu R : ora pro nobis
Saint Teresa of Jesus R : pray for us
43. Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei R : orate pro nobis
All holy men and women, Saints of God R : pray for us
44. Propitius esto R : libera nos, Domine
Lord, be merciful R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
45. Ab omni malo R : libera nos, Domine
From all evil R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
46. Ab omni peccato R : libera nos, Domine
From every sin R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
47. A morte perpetua R : libera nos, Domine
From everlasting death R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
48. Per incarnationem tuam R : libera nos, Domine
By Your incarnation R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
49. Per mortem et resurrectionem tuam R : libera nos, Domine
By Your death and resurrection R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
50. Per effusionem Spiritus Sancti R : libera nos, Domine
By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit R : Lord, deliver us, we pray
51. Peccatores R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Be merciful to us sinners R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
52. Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam regere et conservare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Govern and protect your Holy Church
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
53. Ut domnum apostolicum et omnes ecclesiasticos ordines in sancta religione conservare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Keep the Pope and all the ordained in faithful service to Your Church
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
54. Ut hos electos benedicere digneris R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Bless these (this) chosen men (man) R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
55. Ut hos electos benedicere et santificare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Bless and sanctify these (this) chosen men (man)
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
56. Ut hos electos benedicere et sanctificare et consecrare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Bless, sanctify, and consecrate these (this) chosen men (man)
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
57. Ut cunctis populis pacem et veram concordiam donare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Bring all peoples together in peace and true harmony
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
58. Ut omnis in tribulatione versantibus misericordiam tuam largiri digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Comfort with Your mercy the troubled and the afflicted
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
59. Ut nosmetipsos in tuo sancto servitio confortare et conservare digneris
R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Strengthen all of us and keep us in Your holy service
R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
60. Iesu, Fili Dei vivi R : Te rogamus, audi nos
Jesus, Son of the living God R : Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer
61. Christe, audi nos R : Christe, audi nos
Christ, hear us R : Christ, hear us
62. Christe, exaudi nos R : Christe, exaudi nos
Christ, graciously hear us R : Christ, graciously hear us
(The Litany of the Saints is slightly different and longer than the usual one as this one is used for the Episcopal Ordination Mass proper, which contains more prayers for the bishop-elect)
Then the presider will pray this prayer after the Litany :
Latin : Propitiare, Domine, supplicationibus nostris, et inclinato super hos famulos tuos cornu gratiae sacerdotalis, benedictionis tuae in eos effunde virtutem. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
English : Graciously hear our petitions, o Lord, and pour out upon these, Your servants, the power of Your blessing, flowing from the horn of priestly grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The imposition or laying of hands then follow. Beginning with the consecrator and the co-consecrators, they lay their hands on the bishop-elect’s head, as a sign of the passing down of the Holy Spirit they themselves have received through the Apostolic Succession, from the Apostles, and therefore from Christ.
(During this time, the other bishops in attendance may also lay their hands on the head of the new Bishop as a symbol of the continuing power that came from the Apostles, the unbroken Apostolic Succession from the Apostles themselves, empowering the new Bishop with the same authority and power God has given to the Apostles).
Then this is followed by the placing of the Holy Scripture opened up above the head of the new Bishop, as a symbol that the new Bishop will stay true to the Word of God in the Scripture, and will do his best to carry out the will of God, and make the Word of God centre of his life and his mission as the Bishop, as the shepherd of God’s people.
The moment and words that made an Episcopal Ordination valid and legal (when done by the proper authority and in accordance with the Canon Law) are highlighted in bold below. The Principal consecrator then pray together with the co-consecrators and the other bishops over the new Bishop (with the Sacred Scripture above his head).
Latin : Deus et Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi, Pater misericordiarum et Deus totius consolationis, qui in excelsis habeas et humilia respicis, qui cognoscis omnia antequam nascantur, tu qui dedisti in Ecclesia tua normas per verbum gratiae tuae, qui praedestinasti ex principio genus iustorum ab Abraham, qui constituisti principes et sacerdotes, et sanctuarium tuum sine ministerio non dereliquisti, cui ab initio mundi placuit in his quos eligisti glorificari :
Et nunc effunde super hos electos eam virtutem, quae a te est, Spiritum principalem, quem dedisti dilecto Filio tuo Iesu Christo, quem ipse donavit sanctis Apostolis, qui constituerunt Ecclesiam per singula loca ut sanctuarium tuum, in gloriam et laudem indeficientem nominis tui.
Da, cordium cognitor Pater, his servis tuis, quos elegisti ad Episcopatum, ut pascant gregem sanctum tuum, et suum sacerdotium tibi exhibeant sine reprehensione, servientes tibi nocte et die, ut incessanter vultum tuum propitium reddant et offerant dona sanctae Ecclesiae tuae; da ut virtute Spiritus summi sacerdotii habeant potestatem dimittendi peccata secundum mandatum tuum; ut distribuant munera secundum praeceptum tuum et solvant omne vinculum secundum potestatem quam dedisti Apostolis; placeant tibi in mansuetudine et mundo corde, offerentes tibi odorem suavitatis, per Filium tuum Iesum Christum, per quem tibi gloria et potentia et honor, cum Spiritu Sancto in sancta Ecclesia et nunc et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
English : God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who dwell on high and look on the lowly, who know all things before they come to be; and who laid down observances in Your Church through the word of Your grace; who from the beginning, foreordained a nation of the just, born of Abraham; who established rulers and priests and did not leave Your sanctuary without ministers, and who, from the foundation of the world, were pleased to be glorified in those You have chosen :
Pour out now upon these (this) chosen ones (one) that power which is from You, the Spirit of governance whom You gave to Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit whom He bestowed upon the holy Apostles, who established the Church in each place as Your sanctuary for the glory and unceasing praise of Your Name.
Grant, o Father, knower of all hearts, that these (this), Your servant(s), whom You have chosen for the office of Bishop may shepherd Your holy flock, Serving You night and day, may they fulfill before You without reproach the ministry of the High Priesthood; so that, always gaining Your favour, they (he) may offer up the gifts of Your Holy Church. Grant that, by the power of the Spirit of the High Priesthood, they may have the power to forgive sins according to Your command, assign offices according to Your decree, and loose every bond according to the power given by You to the Apostles. May they please You by their meekness and purity of heart, presenting a fragrant offering in You, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, through whom glory and power and honor are Yours with the Holy Spirit in the Holy Church, now and forever. Amen.
After this, the consecrator bishop will anoint the hands of the new Bishop with the sacred chrism oil, signifying that the bishop is the anointed one of God, given by God the authority of the High Priesthood of Christ, which he share.
Latin : Deus, qui summi Christi sacerdotii participem te effecit, ipse te mysticae delibutionis liquore perfundat, et spiritualis benedictionis ubertate fecundet.
English : May God, who has made you a sharer in the High Priesthood of Christ, Himself pour out upon you the oil of mystical anointing and make you fruitful with an abundance of spiritual blessings.
Then, the new Bishop receives the Book of the Gospels (Evangelium), the Word of God, to remind him of his duty to teach and preach the word of God to his flock.
Latin : Accipe Evangelium et verbum Dei praedica in omni patientia et doctrina.
English : Receive the Gospel and preach the word of God with all patience and sound teaching.
Then, the new Bishop receives the Episcopal ring, the sign that he is married to God and His Holy Church, and thus the flock he is entrusted to.
Latin : Accipe anulum, fidei signaculum : et sponsam Dei, sanctam Ecclesiam, intemerata fide orantus, illibate custodi.
English : Receive this ring, the seal of fidelity : adorned with undefiled faith, preserve unblemished the bride of God, the holy Church.
Then, the new Bishop receives the mitre, the symbol of authority, that he now teach as the teacher of faith in the authority given to Him by Christ, and as a crown of glory and holiness given to him by Christ.
Latin : Accipe mitram, et clarescat in te splendor sanctitatis, ut cum apparuerit princeps pastorum, immarcescibilem gloriae coronam percipere merearis.
English : Receive the mitre, and may the splendour of holiness shine forth in you, so that when the Chief Shepherd appears you may deserve to receive from Him an unfading crown of glory.
Finally, the new Bishop receives the pastoral crosier, which is a symbol of his pastoral office as a shepherd to God’s people, the sheep entrusted to him to care, and to govern through the authority given to him by the Holy Spirit.
Latin : Accipe baculum, pastoralis muneris signum, et attende universo gregi, in quo te Spiritus Sanctus posuit Episcopum regere Ecclesiam Dei.
English : 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.
After all are done, the new Bishop is presented to the people and all the faithful. An appropriate hymn, or hymn in honour of the new Bishop may be sung or played at this time. Then the Mass proceeds as normal with the Creed.
The Mass and the Eucharist, and then the Communion proceed as it is in a normal Mass. Then, after the concluding prayer (Prayer after Communion) is said, Te Deum is usually sung. Te Deum as the hymn that glorifies God and usually sang at events including ordinations, and show that through the ordination of this new bishop, God’s glory is made manifest in this world.
Te Deum
Te Deum laudamus, te Dominum confitemur
We praise You, o God, we acclaim You as the Lord.
Te aeternum Patrem, omnis terra veneratur.
Everlasting Father, all the world bows down before You.
Tibi omnes angeli, tibi caeli et universae potestatis;
All the angels sing Your praise, the hosts of heaven and all the angelic powers;
tibi cherubim et seraphim incessabili voce proclamant :
all the cherubim and seraphim call out to You in unending song :
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of God of the angelic hosts.
Pleni sunt caeli et terra, maiestatis gloriae tuae.
The heavens and the earth are filled with Your majesty and glory.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
The glorious band of apostles,
te prophetarum laudabilis numerus,
the noble company of prophets,
te martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
the marytrs who shed their blood for Christ, all sing Your praise.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia,
And to the ends of the earth, Your Holy Church proclaims her faith in You,
Patrem immensae maiestatis;
Father, whose majesty is boundless;
venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium;
Your true and only Son, who is to be adored;
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
the Holy Spirit sent to be our Advocate.
Tu rex gloriae, Christe.
You, Christ, are the King of glory.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Son of the Eternal Father.
Tu, ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
When You took our nature to save mankind, You did not shrink from birth in the Virgin’s womb.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
You overcame the power of death, opening the Father’s kingdom to all who believe in You.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Enthroned at God’s right hand, in the glory of the Father.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
You will come in judgement according to Your promise.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni, quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
You redeemed Your people by Your Precious Blood. Come, we implore You, to our aid.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.
Grant us with the saints, a place in eternal glory.
Then the Mass ends with the final blessing and dismissal. Thus ends the Episcopal Ordination Mass. The guide above is not conclusive, as there may be variations in the wording and the hymn depending on the local needs and customs.
Let us pray for the Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, Msgr. William Goh, that God will truly pour down on him, the Holy Spirit, that he will be a great shepherd to His people, in His Church in Singapore. Amen.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/25230650/e-reflection%20ordination.pdf
(Note, you may need to install dropbox to view this file)
To share with you this file released by the Singapore Pastoral Institute with prayers for the soon-to-be ordained Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, William Goh Seng Chye. There is also a reflection on the nature of the bishop and his role in the Church.
Let us pray for our Coadjutor Archbishop, that he will grow ever greater in God’s love, and may he be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to carry out his mission as the shepherd for the Church in Singapore.
16 January 2013, a month ago, I have decided to begin this blog, which begun officially on 17 January 2013, the next day.
A month has passed since then, and every time, I always feel the Lord’s guiding my hands to continue writing both on the Scripture, the daily reflections, and the other matters regarding the faith, more so now that a new Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore will be ordained soon within this week (on Friday, 22 February 2013), and that our beloved Pope Benedict XVI will step down at the end of this month, and his successor to be elected in a month’s time.
Pray for me, pray for the Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, Msgr. William Goh, pray for our Pope Benedict XVI, for his successor-to-be, and pray for the Universal Church and for the world. May God be with us all, always, and may His blessing be upon us. Amen.
Statistics of my blog (1 month)
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+Ut Omnes Unum Sint, ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam+
(That they all may be One, for the greater glory of God)
http://www.olps.sg/understanding-term-coadjutor-bishop-449#.URNZ46WyCWV
The Article :
It’s been all over the catholic news in Singapore since our year of 2013 begun – the news of Rev Msgr William Goh being appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore. In order to understand what this all means, read this article which explains in depth what a “Coadjutor bishop” is, what he does, and why he is appointed.
In terms of Sacramental Character or Sacramental “powers”, a Coadjutor bishop is truly a bishop, for he receives Episcopal consecration just like the diocesan bishop. He therefore has the power validly to ordain priests, to confirm, and to consecrate other bishops.
In terms of ecclesial “title”, the Coadjutor has similar a title to the resident Bishop, or in the case of our Archdiocese, the Coadjutor is similar in ecclesial honour to our Archbishop.
However, the jurisdiction, or governing authority, of a Coadjutor bishop is another matter. Within a given diocese, the existing diocesan bishop alone has full responsibility for the entire diocese which the Pope has entrusted to his care (cf Paul VI, Muto proprio, Pastorale manus, on the powers and privileges granted to bishops, 30 November 1963. AAS 56 (1964) c. 381.1).
A Coadjutor bishop, therefore, is not to be construed as a co-leader of a diocese, as he does not have full authority over that diocese—only the existing diocesan bishop himself does.
A coadjutor bishop, as described in canon 403.3, also is given special faculties. In a sense a Coadjutor bishop can be given governing power, but it is generally limited to certain geographic sections of the diocese, or to certain aspects of it. Regardless of a Coadjutor bishop’s duties, however, the existing diocesan bishop retains ultimate authority
The exact time when a bishop will be replaced by a successor is not always predictable, of course. Obviously, a diocesan bishop can always die unexpectedly, or find himself obliged to resign (for medical or other reasons) with relatively short notice.
In these cases, there is normally a period of time—ranging from months to even years, depending on the circumstances—when the diocese is without any bishop at all. The code provides strict rules about who has authority, and in which situations, during this vacancy (cf. Muto proprio, Pastorale manus cc. 416-430).
But often it is easy for Rome to foresee that a diocesan bishop will need to step down. Usually this is due to the bishop’s age. Diocesan bishops are requested to submit their resignation to the Holy Father when they reach their 75th birthday (c. 401.1).
The Pope is not, however, required to accept it, and he may choose to extend the bishop’s tenure in his diocese for many more years if he sees fit (and, of course, if the health of that diocesan bishop permits). But the Pope can, and frequently does, accept bishops’ resignations as soon as they are submitted—and in these cases a successor naturally has to be chosen as soon as possible.
In some case, the Holy Father may decide to pre-empt the resignation of the existing bishop, and after the due process of selection of a new bishop, he may name a coadjutor bishop for Bishop X’s diocese right now.
For instance, the coadjutor bishop already knows that in June, Bishop X will resign and he himself will be the new diocesan bishop. Between then and now, this gives the coadjutor bishop a period of several months to become acquainted with the diocese, its people and its problems—and since the soon-to-be-retired diocesan bishop is still present, he can give his successor-to-be some pointers!
What are the formalities required of a “coadjutor bishop” (cf Paul VI, Muto proprio, Pastorale manus, on the powers and privileges granted to bishops, 30 November 1963. AAS 56 (1964) c. 381.1):
Can. 404 §1 The coadjutor Bishop takes possession of his office when, either personally or by proxy, he shows the apostolic letters of appointment to the diocesan Bishop and the college of consultors, in the presence of the chancellor of the curia, who makes a record of the fact.
§3 If the diocesan Bishop is wholly impeded, it is sufficient that either the coadjutor Bishop or the auxiliary Bishop show their apostolic letters of appointment to the college of consultors, in the presence of the chancellor of the curia.
Can. 405 §1 The coadjutor Bishop and the auxiliary Bishop have the obligations and the rights which are determined by the provisions of the following canons and defined in their letters of appointment.
§2 The coadjutor Bishop, or the auxiliary Bishop mentioned in can. 403 §2, assists the diocesan Bishop in the entire governance of the diocese, and takes his place when he is absent or impeded.
Can. 406 §1 The coadjutor Bishop in can. 403 §2, is to be appointed a Vicar general by the diocesan Bishop. The diocesan Bishop is to entrust to him, in preference to others, those things which by law require a special mandate.
Can. 407 §1 For the greatest present and future good of the diocese, the diocesan Bishop, the coadjutor can. 403 §2, are to consult with each other on matters of greater importance.
§2 In assessing matters of greater importance, particularly those of a pastoral nature, the diocesan Bishop is to consult the auxiliary Bishop before all others.
§3 The coadjutor Bishop since they are called to share in the cares of the diocesan Bishop, should so exercise their office that they act and think in accord with him.
Can. 408 §1 As often as they are requested to do so by the diocesan Bishop, a coadjutor Bishop are obliged to perform those pontifical and other functions to which the diocesan Bishop is bound.
§2 Those episcopal rights and functions which the coadjutor can exercise are not habitually to be entrusted to another by the diocesan Bishop.
Can. 409 §1 When the episcopal see falls vacant, the coadjutor immediately becomes the Bishop of the diocese for which he was appointed, provided he has lawfully taken possession.
Can. 410 The coadjutor Bishop and the auxiliary Bishop are bound, like the diocesan Bishop, to reside in the diocese. Other than for the fulfilment of some duty outside the diocese, or for holidays, which are not to be longer than one month, they may not be away from the diocese except for a brief period.
The Episcopal Mass and Reception in conjunction with the upcoming Ordination of our Coadjutor Archbishop, Rev Msgr William Goh will be held as follows:
EPISCOPAL ORDINATION MASS
Date : Friday 22 Feb 2013
Time : 7.30 pm
Venue : Singapore Expo (The Max Pavilion and Exhibition Hall 9)
1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
Presider : The Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli & assisted by our Archbishop Nicholas Chia and Archbishop Murphy Pakiam from Kuala Lumpur
Admission : Tickets will be allocated to Parishes by mid-Feb 2013
Dress Code : Smart casual
GENERAL RECEPTION (HIGH TEA)
Date : Saturday 23 Feb 2013
Time : 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Venue : Catholic Spirituality Centre
1261 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534796
Admission : No tickets required. Open to ALL parishioners to meet the new Coadjutor Archbishop
Dress Code : Smart casual
The Parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church sends their heartiest congratulations and good wishes to Coadjutor Archbishop, Rev Msgr William Goh on his Episcopal Ordination.
We pray that the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit will be with him as he takes on the role as Shepherd for the Church in the Archdiocese of Singapore. May the good Lord Bless, guide and protect him always!
My Personal Comments and Additions:
Therefore, in simple summary, coadjutors are successors to the diocesan bishop, while auxiliaries are helpers to the diocesan bishop. This does not mean that auxiliary bishops cannot be selected as the successor by the Pope, but it means that this kind of succession is not automatic, whereas coadjutors are guaranteed the succession (automatic).
But coadjutors actually do not always succeed the diocesan bishop, as in some cases, some coadjutors actually died before the diocesan bishop resigned, and therefore never succeeded as the rightful diocesan bishop. In some other cases, coadjutor of certain diocese may be reassigned as a bishop/archbishop of another diocese/archdiocese before their succession).
Lastly, as there are still confusion on the nature of coadjutor archbishop’s office, they are no longer assigned any titular see, which is a formerly active diocese that had been suppressed due to lack of Christians or historical reasons (Muslim conquest, etc., which is why many titular sees are actually ancient dioceses in North Africa and Eastern Mediterranean region), and then restored as a titular diocese.
Auxiliary bishops are assigned a titular see upon their appointment as auxiliary, and coadjutor bishop/archbishop too were once (before around 1970) assigned a titular see upon their appointment. However, in present practice, coadjutors are named as Coadjutor Bishop/Archbishop of the diocese/archdiocese that they are going to succeed in (example : Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore (Archdiocese), William Goh), and no titular see is assigned to the coadjutor.
I hope these simple explanations do help many who still have questions in understanding more on the office of the bishop and his helpers (and successor).
+Ut Omnes Unum Sint, ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam+
(That they all may be One, for the greater glory of God)
The coat of arms of an archbishop has four ranks of interlinked tassels, totalling 10 tassels on each sides of the central arms, surmounted by the traditional hat for the clergy, the galero, coloured green for bishops and archbishops.
Double-barred cross also topped the arms, symbolising the rank of Archbishop, who leads an Archdiocese, a larger and more important diocese.
The symbols of the arms include the lion of Singapore, star that represents the Virgin Mary, the boat that travels across oceans with a fleur-de-lys on the mast, that represents the journey of faith guided by Mary in the star to lead all to Jesus. The fleur-de-lys symbolises the connection Singapore Archdiocese had to the French missionaries, who founded the modern Catholic Church in Singapore in mid-1800s.
Sacred Heart represents love of God and mankind, as a basis of our Coadjutor Archbishop’s ministry, and seven hollow mascles at the centre of the arms representing St. William of York, the Coadjutor Archbishop’s patron.
The arms is supported by the Bible, which as the holy Word of God, becomes the basis and duty of the Coadjutor Archbishop’s ministry to teach and live the Word of God.
The motto is “Ut Vivant” or “That they may live”, symbolising the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, in honour of St. Laurent Imbert, who gave Cathedral of the Good Shepherd an inspiration for its name, by his ready embrace of martyrdom, to save the faithful under his care from death.
For greater details, please visit the link to view the coat of arms and get a more detailed explanation on the coat of arms’ symbols. Please also pray for our soon-to-be ordained Coadjutor Archbishop!
(Addition : I believe that Coadjutor Archbishops are not given any titular see, which is the case for Auxiliary bishops, as Coadjutor Archbishops are immediately tied to the See which they will succeed, so in our case, Msgr. William Goh will be known as Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore, and not of any titular see.)
(Example of titular see : Castellum Medianum, which was held by Auxiliary Bishop of Sibu, Bishop Joseph Hii, before he was chosen as the new Bishop of Miri)
petercanisiusmichaeldavidkang 