The Most Reverend Paul David Sirba, Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth, prepares for the Liturgy of the Eucharist at his Ordination on Monday, December 14, 2009.
The Ordination of The Most Reverend Paul David Sirba as the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth was held at the DECC Auditorium on Monday, December 14. Among the faithful who attended were a number of Cook County residents who were deeply moved by the ordination of the man who has chosen as his motto the Latin phrase, Fiat Voluntas Tua—
Thy Will be Done—from the Lord’s Prayer.
The Duluth Diocesan Chorale and Orchestra and members of the Knights of Columbus opened the ceremony. Bishop-elect Sirba was presented by Reverend James Bissonette, Diocesan Administrator. The Apostolic Letter was read by the Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who also read a greeting from Pope Benedict XVI.
The assembly was asked to voice its consent through reverent applause and the joyful Rite of Ordination proceeded. As the Liturgy of the Eucharist began, gifts of bread and wine were presented to Bishop Sirba by members of the Indian communities within the Diocese. Marie Spry of Grand Portage participated in this presentation.
Above: A contingent of county residents attended the Ordination of Bishop Sirba at the DECC Auditorium. They gathered in the Lake Superior Ballroom for the reception after the ceremony. (L-R) John Franz, Clara LeSage Koslowski, Joy Carlson, Kathy LaVigne, Shirley Trovall, and Mary Petz. Left: Marie Spry of Grand Portage was among members of the Indian community within the Diocese who presented the gifts of bread and wine. Spry chose to wear a very special necklace and earrings, designed by the late Sharon Vogel.
Fellow parishioner Mary Petz said it was wonderful to see Spry in that role. “We were honored and moved to see Marie participate,” she said.
After Holy Communion, Bishop Sirba walked through the assembly and offered a special blessing.
Joy Carlson of Grand Marais said the Ordination was deeply moving. “To me it was absolutely beautiful—it was just awesome.”
Petz agreed, “It was amazing to see the number of people—religious and lay people—within the Diocese and how we are all connected.”
The entire assembly was invited to a reception for Bishop Sirba following Ordination in the Lake Superior Ballroom. Carlson said the Cook County group hoped to meet with the Bishop, but the line was far too long. However, they enjoyed meeting many other friends from other churches, including Father Mark Coen, formerly of St. John’s Catholic Church.
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