The installation liturgy and vespers for Bishop Nelson Perez are rich in tradition and deep in meaning.
Vespers, or Evening Prayer, is a regular part of the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the daily prayer of the Church. Vespers will be celebrated on Sept. 4, the evening before the bishop?s formal installation at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland.
Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cleveland, presides at the Sept. 4 vespers and Bishop Perez preaches.
Father Michael Woost, master of ceremonies for the installation events, said Bishop Thomas meets Bishop Perez at the cathedral door, greets him and welcomes him to the cathedral. Father Sean Ralph, cathedral administrator, invites him to kiss a crucifix from the cathedral and a deacon presents Bishop Perez with holy water, which he sprinkles on those around him as reminder of our baptism into Christ and his Church.
Prior to Vespers, there is a procession of ecumenical and interfaith representatives, civic leaders and lay ecclesial representatives from throughout the diocese. Their presence and participation in this liturgy reveal that the bishop?s ministry extends beyond the immediate needs of the Catholic community and includes concern for people of all faiths and for the local civic community.
When the bishops, deacons and any clergy reach the front of the cathedral, they reverence the altar and go to their places in the sanctuary, Father Woost said.
?The cathedra, the bishop?s chair, remains empty until the bishop is installed the next day,? he said.
Father said the liturgy takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It follows the Evening Prayer for that day because there is no specific celebration of Vespers for the installation of a bishop, Father Woost said.
