The Catholic Church in the Diocese of Rockford has just come together for an important moment in her life and history. With the conclusion of Bishop Thomas G. Doran’s 18 years of service as bishop, the faithful gathered on May 14 to watch as Cardinal Francis George of Chicago and other bishops fulfilled the mandate of Pope Benedict XVI by consecrating me as the Ninth Bishop of Rockford.
 

After the ceremony, one person said to me, “I had the feeling that I was watching a ceremony that must have its origins rooted in the 2,000 year history of the Church.” How true that is. From the imposition of hands on the head of the new bishop to the anointing with sacred chrism, the gestures and solemnity reflected the depth and meaning of our faith and our prayer as Catholics.
 

The ceremony did something else. It served as a reflection of the nature of who we are as the Catholic Church today. The BMO Harris Bank Center was filled almost to capacity. Faithful and friends of the Church came together from all over the diocese, and beyond. People from young to old, from rural and urban areas, and from different ethnic backgrounds, all sat and stood and prayed as one.
 

The choir and ensemble gave us a hint of the heavenly hymns that await us. The presence of the numerous Knights of Columbus, as well as the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem reminded us of the organizations of prayer and service that are so important to the life of the Church here and now.
 

In short, the unity of the Catholic Church, formed out of the diversity of so many different elements of life, was on display. That is a very important concept in our faith.
 

As I lay prostrate before the altar during the invocation of all the Saints in heaven, I was praying intensely. I was praying that Christ give me the faith, the wisdom and the courage to be a good bishop. I was praying that he would guide my prayer, my love for the diocese and my work with the faithful over the years to come so that we will continue to be a faithful diocese. But I also prayed that as the new shepherd, I might continue to guard our Catholic unity of faith and practice.
 

I ask you to join me in that prayer.
 

The task of keeping unity is at the heart of our Catholic identity. So important is this task that it formed a central part of Christ’s prayer for us on Holy Thursday night, before He began His passion.
 

It is a unity by which we love and support each other. It is a unity that is reflected even in the common texts and gestures of each Mass. It is a unity in the belief in the teachings of our Catholic faith.
 

It is also a unity that connects us to the Church throughout the world and especially to the person and teaching of our Holy Father.
 

I thank everyone who came to the ceremony of my consecration. I thank all who followed it on television or the Internet streaming. I thank all who worked and contributed to that day.
 

And I thank all of you, the faithful of Rockford. The diocese came together in unity for that celebration. Let it be our prayer and our resolve that our unity and faith be maintained every day after.
 

May God richly bless you.
+ David J. Malloy