The Diocese of Belleville today announced that Bishop-elect Michael G. McGovern will be ordained on July 22 — the day pervious to the ordination of Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, which was announced earlier today.
The following is taken from an email announcement sent out by the Belleville diocese.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MON., MAY 18, 2020
JULY 22 ORDINATION DATE ANNOUNCED FOR NEW BELLEVILLE BISHOP
The Diocese of Belleville has announced that Wednesday July 22, 2020 will be the date for the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Michael McGovern as the ninth Bishop of Belleville. Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will be the principal consecrator. Bishop George J. Rassas, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Chicago and Bishop Edward K. Braxton, who will become Bishop Emeritus of Belleville, will serve as co-consecrators in the Cathedral of St. Peter.
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, has confirmed that he will participate in the ordination liturgy. Archbishop Pierre, who serves as the representative of Pope Francis to the United States, will read the papal bull (or letter) from the Pope appointing Bishop-elect McGovern to Belleville.
Bishop Braxton, who has served as Bishop of Belleville since 2005, encouraged the faithful to pray for their new shepherd in the weeks leading up to the ordination: “Pray that Bishop-elect McGovern continue to strive to be conformed to the image of Christ Himself, and offer a constant witness of faith, hope and love as he helps you to learn your faith, love your faith and live your faith.”
Bishop-elect McGovern also asked for prayers in anticipation of his installation as the ninth Bishop of Belleville: “I am very grateful to the many people who have contacted me and assured me of their prayers and support. I am eager to arrive in Belleville and begin serving as a shepherd to this local Church. Please continue to pray for me.”
Due to concern for the health and safety of the public in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, attendance at the ordination liturgy will be limited and social distancing protocols will be in place. The Diocese of Belleville is exploring options for broadcasting the liturgy so that people can participate in the ordination while at home.
July 22 is the day on which the Church honors St. Mary Magdalene, a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. According to the gospels, Mary Magdalene was the first disciple to see the Risen Christ on Easter morning and then shared the good news of His Resurrection with the apostles and disciples. Bishop-elect McGovern stated: “I am glad that the ordination is taking place on this Feast. As I begin my ministry as a bishop, St. Mary Magdalene is a wonderful role model for all of us, both women and men, in joyfully announcing the presence of the Risen Christ in our world.”
The Liturgy of Ordination and Installation will begin at 2:00 pm CST on Wednesday, July 22.