Four days of impressive ceremonies marked the Reception of the Most Rev. Joseph L. Bernardin, newly appointed Auxiliary to Archbishop Hallinan, to Atlanta.

On Tuesday, May 3, Bishop Bernardin was met at the Atlanta airport by a delegation of Priests, Sisters, and Laymen lead by Archbishop Hallinan. Met at the airplane steps by a delegation of Boy Scouts and Marist Cadets, Bishop Bernardin was introduced, by Archbishop Hallinan, to the Archdiocesan Consultors before he met the assembled delegates.

A packed Cathedral saw a concelebrated Mass on Thursday afternoon, presided over by Archbishop Hallinan, with Bishop Bernardin acting as the principal celebrant. Other ministers of the Mass were the Archdiocesan Consultors, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Cassidy, P.A.; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph E. Moylan, P.A.; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph E. Moylan, P.A.; Rt. Rev. Msgr. P. J. O’Connor, Very Rev. John F. McDonough, Rev. John D. Stapleton, Rev. Michael Manning, Rev. Joseph F. Ware and Rev. Donald R. Kiernan.

Wednesday evening the Marriott Motor Hotel was the scene of a reception given for Bishop Bernardin with the priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Charleston in attendance. A welcome to the community was given by Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., of Atlanta. Other speakers that evening included the Very Rev. John F. McDonough who spoke on behalf of the priests of the Archdiocese; Bishop Ernest L. Unterkoeffler of Charleston and the Rt. Rev. Msgr. P. J. O’Connor who acted as the Master of Ceremonies. Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan introduced his new Auxiliary, Bishop Bernardin. The Bishop’s mother, Mrs. Maria Bernardin, sat at the head table.

The Laity of Atlanta met Bishop Bernardin in a ceremony held on Friday night in the Cathedral Center. The program opened with musical selections rendered by the Glee Club of Drexel High School. Mr. Herbert Farnsworth acted as Master of Ceremonies with Mr. Lewis Gordon welcoming the Bishop on behalf of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men, and Mrs. Harry Horsey speaking on behalf of women.

A Mass at the Cathedral on Saturday morning welcomed Bishop Bernardin to the Sisters of the various religious communities working in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The Liturgical Service was followed by an informal luncheon given in the Cathedral Center.