A message from Bishop Peter F. Christensen

The following is a message from Bishop Christensen to everyone attending his ordination at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. It was printed in the worship aid and is reprinted here for those who were unable to attend.

To All Who Gather--Thank You

To all gathered here today in this magnificent Cathedral, I offer my deepest gratitude for your presence and for your prayers. Today we celebrate in a very visible way our faith in Jesus Christ and in His Church. On this Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we witness firsthand, Apostolic Succession. As Christ promised to remain with the Church throughout all time, during this ceremony we witness the sacramental blessing of a new bishop, a shepherd, for the care of God's flock.

This rite of ordination is filled with symbolism. There are many signs of the office that are entrusted to the newly ordained bishop--visible in the simple signs of the ring, pectoral cross, miter and crosier, to name a few. Each of these items serves as a reminder of the important role of bishop as servant and leader.

The Ring I wear is a gift from my family. How fitting that the faith my siblings and I received from our parents be symbolized by the ring I wear as their gift on my hand. Love is eternal, and I pray that I may always be faithful to the promises of love and obedience that I make to Our Lord and to all his holy people this day. I know the Lord to be faithful. May I offer my life ever more faithfully to Him.

The Pectoral Cross I wear is a gift from my godparents, Phil and Colleen Kirst. I am so grateful for their presence throughout my life. I am honored to have my godmother, Colleen, offer the first reading from Scriptures at this liturgy. The pectoral cross I wear is modeled after the cross found on my rosary. It is Celtic in design, which will serve to remind me of my heritage. I trust that it will give witness to the faith that has been handed down to me from generations past. Originally, the pectoral, as it reflects the dignity of the office of bishop, served as a reliquary of the True Cross, which due to the singular import of this relic encouraged the practice of wearing the relic close to the heart. May the cross I wear also help me to reflect on the power of Christ's Cross--a power that has victory over sin and death.

The Crosier is the pastoral staff. Originally adapted from the staff of a shepherd, it signifies the responsibility of the bishop to offer his life for his flock--modeled on the care that Christ witnessed in His life on earth. The crosier offers a symbol of unity and peace, protection and care, leadership and direction, always doing what is best for those entrusted to his care. The crosier I hold is a gift from the parishioners of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. The cross it bears is the cross that has become the identifying symbol for this liturgy, as it reminds us of the Feast we celebrate. The faithful and dedicated parishioners of Nativity have helped to form me in priesthood. I came as a priest; I grew as a pastor and now leave as a bishop. I hope to be reminded often of the care and formation that I have received. Thank you for teaching me how to be a shepherd, as well as to hold high the Cross!

The Miter is an early tenth century addition to the vesture of the Roman Catholic Church, and is a symbol of episcopal dignity. Its origins are traced to ancient Greece, predating Christianity. Strange as it may seem, the modified cap with tassels was used to help identify the champion of a race--as was the laurel wreath encircling the head of the victorious athlete of the time. Actually, the miter serves as a good reminder to run the race to its completion, where as St. Paul says, "From now on a merited crown awaits me." The miter that I will wear is a gift from Jan and Bill Berens. Jan has served as liturgist at Nativity and she, too, has blessed us today with a reading from Scripture.

Finally, the joy I feel and wear now in my heart is due to each and every one of you. I know that many of you have made tremendous sacrifices to be here for this ordination. I am so deeply grateful for your willingness to celebrate this amazing event in our Church. May it serve as a reminder of the Lord's ongoing care for each of us For those who have offered their prayers, so hidden, yet so powerful--Thank You. For those who have provided for this beautiful liturgy in so many practical and meaningful ways--Thank You. And for all those who have taken care of all the minutia in offering a welcome to the events that surround this liturgy--please know of my deepest gratitude for you as well. May the Lord bless each of us in our need. May we give praise to God at all times in our hearts. And may the Cross of Love that triumphs through time bring us to the everlasting life promised in Jesus Christ Our Lord.

In Gratitude I remain yours in Christ,

Bishop Peter Christensen

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007