The Diocese of Springfield welcomed Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski as the 9th Bishop of Springfield in a Mass at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Bishop Rozanski was welcomed into the Cathedral by Sean Cardinal O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston. Pope Francis' representative in the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, read the letter of appointment from the Holy Father.
In his homily, Bishop Rozanski thanked retiring Bishop McDonnell for his support during the time of transition as well as for his years of service to the people of the Church of Springfield. The congregation responded with a sustained standing ovation as a sign of their gratitude to our shepherd for the past ten years.
Bishop Rozanski preached in English, Spanish, and Polish, the latter gaining visible approval from the Polish Americans present.
Bishop Rozanski's parents as well as his family were present for today's celebration and were warmly greeted by Bishop McDonnell and the congregation at the beginning of today's Mass.