In a gesture filled with optimism and celebration, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia has heralded the consecration of three auxiliary bishops as a beacon of hope and joy, emphasizing their role of guidance towards salvation through Christ.
The recently ordained auxiliary bishops, Keith J. Chylinski, Christopher R. Cooke, and Efren V. Esmilla, were welcomed into their new roles during a mass on March 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, joining Archbishop Pérez in their shared mission. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, and Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre of Philadelphia participated as co-ordaining bishops in the celebratory ceremony.
The trio of bishops was appointed by Pope Francis on December 8, 2023, an announcement made by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the same day. Their ordination mass was attended not only by religious leaders and the faithful but also included a special delegation of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, headed by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk. This visit marked a historical moment, being the first since the onset of the Ukraine-Russian conflict in February 2022.
The solidarity between the local Latin and Ukrainian Catholic churches was tangible as Major Archbishop Shevchuk offered symbolic gifts to Archbishop Pérez: a fragment from a drone that had targeted his residence in Kyiv and a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people and the promise of resurrection.
Archbishop Pérez, in his address to the newly ordained bishops, recounted the poignant moment when they received their calling and expressed gratitude for their affirmative response. Their ordination liturgy, which included multilingual choirs and lasted over three hours, reflected the global and diverse nature of the Church.
The new bishops committed themselves to their pastoral duties by pledging to uphold the Gospel and to lead the faithful with dedication and mercy. Each was also granted titular sees, symbolizing the historical continuity and catholicity of the Church.
Bishops Chylinski, Cooke, and Esmilla come to their new roles with rich backgrounds of pastoral service within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Their individual journeys have been marked by their devotion to the spiritual growth of the community, support of diverse cultures, and dedication to the various ministries they have led.
Conveying their heartfelt thanks for the new responsibility entrusted to them, the bishops shared their perspective on this momentous occasion, reiterating their commitment to serving the church with love, humility, and trust.
Reportage for this milestone in the Philadelphia Archdiocese has been provided by Gina Christian, a multimedia reporter with OSV News.
FAQ Section
- Who are the new auxiliary bishops ordained in Philadelphia?
- When were the bishops ordained, and by whom?
- What special delegation attended the ordination Mass?
- What symbolic gifts were presented to Archbishop Pérez?
Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, Bishop Christopher R. Cooke, and Bishop Efren V. Esmilla have been ordained as the new auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
They were ordained on March 7 during a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, led by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington and Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre of Philadelphia serving as co-ordaining bishops.
The permanent synod of bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, led by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, attended the ordination Mass, marking their first visit to the U.S. since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Major Archbishop Shevchuk gifted Archbishop Pérez with a framed fragment of a drone that targeted his Kyiv residence and a pysanky-style decorated traditional Ukrainian Easter egg.
Conclusion
The ordination of Bishops Chylinski, Cooke, and Esmilla serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring faith and ecclesiastical dedication within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. With these auxiliary bishops at the helm, the local Church embarks on a continued journey of pastoral service, strengthened by diversity and united in the universal pursuit of Christian faith and communion. Their diverse experiences and shared commitment to the Gospel herald a new chapter, filled with God’s grace and the promise of spiritual leadership, for the people of Philadelphia and beyond.