By Bishop John J. Russell

It has been my privilege to speak in this beloved and familiar Cathedral on the occasion of the installation of two of my successors as bishops of Charleston. Today it is my happy lot to address you, my former flock, on this joyful occasion when a native son, whom I had the consolation of ordaining to the Holy Priesthood exactly fourteen years ago today, is consecrated Bishop of Holy Church.

Consecration

As we witness these solemn ceremonies of consecration, we realize that we are witnessing an event which traces back through the centuries to Jesus Christ and His Apostles. The New Testament tells us how the God-Man chose twelve men to be his constant companions and formed them into the apostolic band. He revealed eternal truths to them. He gave them powers which He alone, God, possessed; the power to forgive sins, “Whose sins you shall forgive are forgiven them;” the power to change bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the God-Man as He did at the Last Supper, “This is My Body, this is My Blood, do this in memory of Me.” He placed Peter at their head.

Then, before He ascended into heaven, He said to them, “All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth, going therefore teach all nations whatsoever I have taught you. I will be with you until the consummation of the world and he who hears you, hears Me.”

They were fully confirmed in this mission on the day of Pentecost in accordance with Our Lord’s promise, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you shall be witnesses of Me in Jerusalem and all Judes and in Samaria and even to the very ends of the earth.” By everywhere preaching the Gospel which was accepted by their hearers under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles gathered together the universal Church.

Apostolic Tradition

In order that this mission might continue after their death, they passed on their immediate cooperators and authorized the arrangement that when these men should have died, other approved men would take up their ministry. Thus St. Irenaeus testifies, through those who were appointed bishops by the Apostles and through their successors, down to our own time, the apostolic tradition is manifested and preserved throughout the world.

This, in brief, is the doctrine concerning the establishment of the Apostolic College, as revealed to us in Sacred Scripture. Down through the ages, the substance of the Deposit of Faith has remained unchanged, but there has been a gradual, steady growth and development of doctrine culminating in two documents promulgated by the Vatican Council, the dogmatic “Constitution on the Church” and the decree concerning “the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church.”

These documents gives us a more complete and updated presentation of the doctrinal and pastoral concepts of the episcopacy.

Shepherds

As the shepherds and guides of the people of God, the bishops are called upon to teach and to sanctify. They should dedicate themselves to their apostolic office as witnesses of Christ before all men and announce to all, to those outside as well as to those in the fold, the Gospel of Christ. They should explain the truths essential for salvation and point out the way of eternal happiness. They should also show how earthly goods and human institutions can contribute to God’s honor and man’s salvation, pointing out with what seriousness the Church believes these realities should be regarded, namely the human person with his freedom and bodily life, the family and its unity and stability, the procreation and education of children, civil society with its laws and professions, labor and leisure, the arts and technical inventions, poverty and affluence.

Finally, they should set forth the ways by which they are to be solved the very grave questions concerning the ownership, increase and just distribution of material goods, peace and war, and brotherly relations among all peoples.

They should present Christian doctrine in a manner adapted to the needs of the times and in a manner corresponding to the difficulties and problems by which people are most vexatiously burdened and troubled .

Fullness of the Priesthood

Bishops enjoy the fullness of the Sacrament of Orders and all priests, as well as deacons, are dependent upon them in the exercise of authority. They are the principal dispensers of the mysteries of God, just as they are the governors, promoters and guardians of the entire liturgical life in the Church committed to them.

As those who lead others to perfection, bishops should be diligent in fostering holiness among their clerics and religious and laity, according to the special vocations of each. They should also be mindful of their obligation to give an example of holiness through charity, humility and simplicity of life.

Since the auxiliary bishop is called to share part of the burdens of the diocesan bishop, he must exercise his office in single-minded agreement with him and manifest obedience and reverence toward the diocesan Bishop.

Providential

For all these reasons, it seems particularly fitting and appropriate and indeed providential that Bishop Bernardin is appointed to assist Archbishop Hallinan. They have already labored together in a congenial apostolate serving the people of God, ministering to the spiritual welfare of the people of this diocese. Between the former bishop and his chancellor there has existed that harmony and unity of purpose which gives assurance that the relationship now of ordinary and auxiliary bishop will be one productive of fruitfulness and blessing.

All of us who admire Bishop Bernardin are aware of his kindness, of his zeal, of his devotion to the Church. At the same time, we recognize that he is a man of consideration, thoughtfulness of others, a willing coworker, a loyal friend, a priestly priest.

Today we congratulate Archbishop Hallinan upon receiving as auxiliary, his helper, a man after his own heart, and we thank God that the people of the Archdiocese of Atlanta will be doubly blessed through their apostolate for souls.