More than 1,000 people, including bishops and cardinals from around the nation, packed into Omaha's St. Cecilia cathedral Tuesday for the installation of George Lucas, Omaha's fifth archbishop.The two-hour ceremony was steeped in traditional Catholic ceremonies, with bowing dignitaries and Latin readings preceding the official transition of Omaha's Catholic leadership.
Lucas sat outside before the ceremony as dignitaries filed into the cathedral.
In a symbolic gesture, Lucas walked up to the cathedral's main doors, knocked and was welcomed inside.
He was greeted by a Vatican representative and former Omaha Archbishop Elden Curtiss.
Lucas then took a seat in his official chair.
"This is a day of joy and celebration for all of us," said Curtiss.
Papal Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi read a proclamation from Pope Benedict XVI.
"We offer you our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes," Sambi said.
Lucas later spoke to the congregation, evoking themes of diversity, unity and a hoped-for resurgence in belief at a time when he acknowledged many have questioned the church.
"We are given to each other that we might strengthen each other in a culture often inhospitable to faith and witness," Lucas said. "Your prayers carry me day by day and I will count on your support across the miles."His first homily focused on faith, sacrifice, witness and unity."Let us commit ourselves to think, pray, work and worship together with all our attention on the Risen Christ," he said.
He exited the ceremony to greet a crowd of hundreds that had lined up to congratulate him.
"I'm anxious to get out into the parishes and meet people and find out about the good things happening in parish life," Lucas said.
"It's very humbling. It's a big responsibility."
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