Before a crowd of 5,000 faithful, newly ordained Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika pledged "to be a good shepherd" Thursday and promised his support to government "especially when basic human rights are in jeopardy" including the right to life. "I finally get to say something," Bishop Stika joked, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
"Praise be to Jesus Christ."
Bishop Stika thanked those in attendance, from dignitaries to schoolchildren, and was interrupted twice with applause as he addressed the issue of abortion.
"To those who represent our government," Stika said, "I pledge my desire to work with you, and I'm offering you my support, especially when basic human rights are in jeopardy - the right to food and to housing, the right to a just wage and the ability to live a life of fulfillment. Especially the right to life itself, a right that continues to be in peril by those who say it is a choice, and not a gift from God."
The Mass attracted celebrants and musicians from all over East Tennessee, including a children's choir, a teenage symphony and an adult choir of about 200 singers.
The music included dozens of songs, everything from African and gospel tunes to Latin American music, folk music and traditional Latin chants.
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(Source: CTHUS)