Archdiocese Welcomes Coadjutor Archbishop Hebda

I was one of more than 2,500 well wishers who participated in a Eucharistic Celebration of welcome for Coadjutor Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, who, along with Archbishop John J. Myers, will serve as leaders of our Archdiocese.  Archbishop Myers began the liturgy by speaking on behalf of all of us parishioners and extending a warm welcome to the newly appointed Coadjutor Archbishop who will automatically succeed Archbishop Myers when the latter retires.

The celebration ranks among some of the most inspirational Eucharistic Celebrations in which I have participated.  Archbishop Myers’ warmth, reverence and sincerity drew those gathered to enter into the celebration with that same spirit of attentiveness to God and to each other.

In his remarks, Archbishop Hebda thanked his parents and family for being his primary teachers of the faith.  He shared stories of his transition from the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan to Newark and he concluded his remarks by saying that he plans to enter into conversation with the people of the archdiocese so that “together we can discover what is to be my work here.”

Archbishop Hebda’s motto, “Only Jesus” serves as a reminder to him that his episcopal ministry of teaching, sanctifying and governing is ultimately one intended to lead the Faithful to an encounter with Christ Himself.  The following prayer of Blessed John Henry Newman, printed in the Welcoming Mass’ booklet, captures this desire to live only for God and in God.

Sister Loretta

PRAYER OF BLESSES JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Dear Jesus,
help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go.
Flood my soul with thy spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly
that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine.
Shine through me,
and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with
may feel thy presence in my soul.
Let them look up and see no longer me
but only Jesus!