Hundreds of people packed into the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Sept. 4 for Solemn Vespers, also known as Evening Prayer, which is a regular part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the daily prayer of the Church. The liturgy was a prelude to the formal installation Mass for Bishop-designate Nelson Thomas, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 5 at the cathedral.
The event was streamed live on the diocesan website and was carried live on Telecare TV, as well as on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page. Father Ralph Wiatrowski, pastor of St. Barnabas Parish in Northfield, provided commentary for the broadcast.
Before the liturgy began, Bishop Perez made a quick tour through the cathedral greeting family, friends and several others before returning to the rectory for a few minutes and some short meetings with representatives from the diocese.
Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Cleveland, presided at vespers.
Bishop Perez waited in the cathedral vestibule until Bishop Thomas reached the doors and he invited him inside. Father Sean Ralph, cathedral administrator, presented a crucifix from the cathedral for Bishop Perez to kiss. He then sprinkled holy water on those near him.
Bishop Thomas told Bishop Perez that the cathedral holds God?s altar. ?It is a place of communion where God?s people are fed . . . it is a place where your people will come together with you,? he said.
Vespers proceeded with the hymns, psalms, readings and responsory of the day before Bishop Perez delivered the homily.
He remarked that there was ?a nine-month gestation period in which the Church gave birth to a new bishop.? He also introduced several clergy friends in attendance, including some bishops from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, where he has served as an auxiliary bishop for the past five years, and thanked those who were present.
For the priests of Cleveland, the new bishop said he ?can?t wait to meet you, to walk with you and to share our priesthood together
