Detroit -- In a filled-to-capacity Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, with priests from around the archdiocese and bishops from around the country in attendance, Msgr. Donald Hanchon, Fr. Michael Byrnes, and Fr. Jose Arturo Cepeda were ordained as auxiliary bishops for Detroit.

Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron, speaking to the three prior to their Episcopal ordination rite, said the three would be “numbered among the band of Jesus’ companions.”

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE ORDINATION

“Today, we say with Peter, ‘Yes, Lord, we love you more than these,’” he told the bishop-designates during his homily. “Of all the many qualifications we must fill and competencies we must attain… the most basic is not mostly functional. The most basic qualification is love for Jesus. Loving him as He loved us – until the end.”

During the ceremony, which took place within the context of Mass, the Vatican decrees naming the three men bishops were read. Archbishop Vigneron laid his hands on them, and anointed each man with oil. Each of the three was prayed over using the book of Scripture. And they were presented their mitres, crosiers and rings.

Archbishop Vigneron singled out the different qualities each new bishop brings – saying that Bishop Hanchon has been known for his “priestly dedication” and for having a generous heart; Bishop Byrnes being blessed with “abundant gifts” and a love for sharing God’s Word; and Bishop Cepeda for having a heart “conformed to Christ’s own heart.”

During his homily, he told the faithful of the local Church that this celebration is meaningful to all Catholics here, too.

“The Church in the archdiocese is, by that same act, accepting a new identity as a real portion of the flock in Christ,” he said.

At the close of the ordination Mass, Bishop Hanchon spoke on behalf of the three, thanking all those in attendance, and all those who had influenced their lives and vocations.

“To all of you who loved, encouraged and put up with us – our sincere thanks,” he said.

He gave special thanks to all their parents, the presbyterate, the bishops and Archbishop Vigneron, and the people who they’ve served as priests.

“A shepherd is, in so very many ways, shaped by the flock the Lord entrusts to him,” Bishop Hanchon said, adding that “we still need your prayers and, in fact, we count on them.”

He closed by promising the faithful that they would do their best to serve them as bishops.

“We pledge to you and to this local Church our love, our hope, our faith, and our desire,” he said, “to always be shepherds after the heart of Christ.”

The May 6 issue of The Michigan Catholic includes a special section to celebrate the ordination of the local Church’s new bishops.

The ordination was aired on Catholic Television Network of Detroit, and was also streamed live on the station’s website, www.ctnd.tv. More information can be found at www.aodonline.org, as well as in the bishops section of the Michigan Catholic website.