Once again, as huge as Vancouver’s Cathedral is, it was filled, but only with a fraction of those who would have wanted to attend in person. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Cathedral was the site for the Installation Mass of the newly appointed Archbishop Richard Smith. However, only those who were able to obtain an entrance pass, in advance, were able to enter the church. Even then, a great deal of bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay faithful were thrilled to be present at the historic and profoundly spiritual event.
Thanks to the Cathedral’s livestreaming, thousands more were able to at least participate online. See Installation ceremony and Mass [HERE].
Archbishop Smith is the 12th bishop to be appointed to the see of Vancouver. Since 1863, before Canadian Confederation, a bishop has been leading the work of the Church in the Vancouver area. Today the Archdiocese has grown and flourished into an amazing space where the ministry of the Church is served by so many parishes, health institutions, schools, religious orders and clergy – all dedicated to living the Gospel way of life.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, His Excellency Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, initiated the installation ceremony by bringing greetings and leading the various rituals, including the presenting of the bishop’s crosier. His Eminence Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, the Primate of Canada and the Archbishop of Quebec, was also present for this special event. After the installation, Archbishop Smith led the congregation in the Eucharistic Liturgy. During his homily and concluding remarks, Archbishop Smith inspired those gathered with his renewed commitment to the apostolic and evangelical mission of the Church and his clear invitation to all to join with him on the journey. Typical of his wit and jocularity was his comment after thanking Cardinal Lacroix for making the long journey to the west coast after having spent so much time at the conclave and electing Pope Leo XIV. He brought the house down, when he added, “Good job, by the way!”.
Another heartwarming and poignant moment occurred when Archbishop Smith thanked his predecessor, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, and the entire congregation went into a very long standing ovation that served as an outpouring of gratitude and esteem. He was truly a loved pastor and will be greatly missed.
Clergy and sisters and others from the Eparchy of New Westminster, particularly chancery staff, were also in attendance. Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski together with two other Bishops who came to Vancouver for the event – Bishop David Motiuk of Edmonton a longtime friend of the Archbishop, who collaborated with him for many years in Edmonton, and Bishop Bryan Bayda from Toronto, represented the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy in Canada.
This was an event that brought great hope to the Church on Canada’s west coast. Since the selection of Mattias in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:26), the Church has been replenishing episcopal positions and expanding the number of bishops to tend to the ever-growing flock of Christ throughout the world. On that Friday evening, those at the cathedral in downtown Vancouver were witnesses to this ongoing vibrant life of the Catholic Church. The former Archbishop together with the representative of successor of the Apostle Peter saw new Archbishop to his cathedra, handed him his shepherd’s staff. The flock recognized his voice (John 10:1-5), welcomed him and pledged their prayer and support. The mission of the Church continues (Mattew 28:19-20).