New Orleans got a new Bishop today

As I sit here tonight, I am watching every minute of the Ordination Mass for Bishop Fernand Cheri III, OFM.  Bishop Cheri officially became the Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans today!  A time to rejoice and time for great hope!  Bishop Cheri officially become the "helper"  Bishop for Archbishop Aymond.  Indeed, while Bishop Cheri is to help with the many confirmations across the Archdiocese, make no mistake, he is Bishop.  Bishop Cheri will undoubtedly bring his own gifts and treasures to the Church.  Bishop Cheri is filling the role last held by Bishop Shelton Fabre who became the Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.

Bishop Cheri is being ordained exactly 50 years after the Episcopal Ordination of the first African American Bishop Harold Perry, also here in New Orleans!!

As a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of New Orleans I sincerely look forward to the day that I assist Bishop Cheri.  I was unable to be at the Ordination Mass today and that deeply troubled me until I remembered my own ordination.  For I was ordained as a Permanent Deacon, a husband and a father and a man employed in the banking industry.  And I remember at my Ordination to be faithful to my vocation as husband and father and faithful to my commitment to my employer.  Today was one such day that family and work came first.  Yet I rejoice with the Church in and of New Orleans.

I now, along with the Catholic Church in and of New Orleans, prayerfully wish Bishop Cheri abundant blessings, a long and fruitful ministry and rejoice in the decision of Pope Francis to send him home to New Orleans!