By Michael Motes

True to their motto, Delta was ready when we were and at precisely 9 a.m., the "Bishop Beltran Special" from Atlanta to Tulsa took wing from Hartsfield International Airport.

Filled to capacity, Flight 8704 was a jolly group of 137 Atlantans representing members of the Beltran family, Saint Anthony and Holy Cross parishioners, friends and clergy who loudly cheered at the lift-off. Someone remarked, "We'd better wait to applaud the landing!" and the mood was set.

The hours ahead were to be filled with pomp and ceremony; social gatherings; frantic souvenir-shopping for the folks back home, and the bleary-eyed reality of Friday morning's "The party's over" 7 a.m. wake-up call.

But fellowship and pride in Atlanta's "Bishop Zeb" was the main theme for the 30 hours away from the humdrum of every day routine.

Sister Sponsa Beltran was radiating true joy in anticipation of the big event that lay hours away. Mrs. Helen Beltran was greeting friends with warmth and charm, but an air of mixed emotions seemed obvious. The youngest member of the Beltran clan, a babe in arms, was agog at the excitement -- all bright blue eyes and smiles -- unaware that Uncle Zeb was becoming a bishop, but very much aware that something special was afoot.

Many of those aboard wore buttons that proudly proclaimed in bright red letters, "BISHOP BELTRAN BOOSTERS," the clever idea of a fan who quickly dispersed the 100 custom-made buttons but who could just as easily have found willing takers for many more.

Shortly after take-off, Father Hardy, our host for the journey, was up and down the aisles with friendly greetings. A special announcement from the pilot would later tell us that Father Hardy was looking for volunteers to help him unload the baggage when our destination was met.

So jovial was the aisle-hopping group that the poor stewardesses fell far behind schedule in serving the champagne breakfast and those of us at the end of the plane were still trying to devour our cheese omelets and melon slices as we touched down in Tulsa.

And who was the first person to greet the travelers upon their arrival? Naturally, the new bishop, on hand at the Tulsa airport to make sure that his friends would receive red-carpet treatment.

Busses loaded, the Atlantans made the short trip to the Mayo Hotel, where Archbishop Donnellan, who had arrived the day before, was in the lobby to welcome his flock.

To make sure that he had not overlooked anyone at the airport, Bishop Beltran had prepared a letter of welcome which was given to each guest at the registration desk. Tulsa's Mayor LaFortune had also composed a welcoming letter.

The planning that the people of Tulsa had made for out-of-town visitors was marvelously detailed. A lengthy agenda of events of the day outlined the busy hours ahead.

Registered and unpacked, the Atlantans spread out in diverse directions to spend a few hours sight-seeing. We toured the Philbrook Museum of Art and were suitably impressed with the way the Oklahoma oil tycoon Waite Phillips had used his fortune to provide a living legacy of art and education for future generations.

A splendid buffet opened at 4 p.m. to feed the multitudes prior to the ceremony. Father Richard Morrow, our dinner companion, had a hot scoop for The Bulletin. Seminarian Tony Green, who hitch-hiked to Tulsa for the event, almost didn't make it. Not watching where he was stepping, Tony encountered a dead skunk along the roadside that still retained its "perfuming" ability. A new pair of shoes was necessary before Tony could attend any public function!

Well-fed spectators -- the hotel had served dinner to about 450 guests at the pre-ordination dinner while 27 United States bishops dined at a private party -- began to fill the Holy Family Cathedral. Advance plans had been made to transmit the ceremony via closed-circuit TV to the anticipated overflow but a mechanical problem developed and this could not be done. Folding chairs were brought into the Cathedral in order to accommodate as many guests as possible in every conceivable inch of space.

Several of the priests were worried at the space set aside for them in the Cathedral would not hold their growing numbers. More than 200 clergy, including approximately 40 Atlantans, were seated and their role in the concelebration of the Mass was quite spectacular.

The ceremony took over two hours and was magnificent. It was now time to again celebrate Bishop Beltran's big day. Ladies of Tulsa had prepared one of the most elaborate spreads of international foods that we have ever seen. The hotel ballroom was wall-to-wall people as a combo played and the celebrating began anew.

Bishop Beltran arrived and was immediately mobbed by well-wishers. He wanted to assemble his "Thursday Group" one more time for the photographer. A rousing "Auld Lang Syne" echoed through the Crystal Ballroom as the group gathered for perhaps the last time.

Members of the Saint Anthony's Choir, who had performed so beautifully at the Ordination Mass, became the center of attention once again as they entertained those at the reception. Joining them in loud voice was Bishop Beltran.

Repeated requests to the musical group to play songs with a Georgia theme went unnoticed, but some fast-paced polkas showed that many of the group were not as tired as they appeared.

Father Terry Young was still bemoaning the fact that he had seen at least three school buses from one of the Tulsa Catholic high schools and that his own St. Pius X school has none!

Father Roshetko was in a lively discussion with Savannah's Bishop Lessard. Cheatham Hodges of the Georgia Catholic Conference and "the Church's man in the legislature" noticed that several of the Tulsa priests wore the "Rose for Life" emblem and made a comment that he must remind Father Mulvin to obtain the attractive emblems for the Atlanta priests.

Father Adamski, Bishop Beltran's successor as pastor at Saint Anthony's, was keeping a watchful eye on "Mister Bill" Logan, a former parishioner who now resides at the Springdale Convalescent Center but who would not have missed the trip for anything. Father Adamski said that the chickens were gone from the rectory, but that " the beast" still remains.

The merry-making and well-wishing continued long past midnight and it was a day never to be forgotten.

The return flight found Father Joe Beltran maitre d' for champagne drinkers. Complete with a bar towel neatly folded over his arm, Father Joe poured the bubbly with good humor.

Father Miceli confessed that flying made him nervous and that he preferred the train or a boat. "I'm fine on the ground and on sea, but I prefer leaving the sky to the birds," he lamented.

The cheers arose again as the journey ended where it had begun. Tired but happy Catholics had witnessed an impressive ceremony for their "Father Zeb," who had bid each Atlantan adieu and thanked each for coming at the Tulsa airport.

Now it's back to the typewriter and a feeble attempt to share with others this experience.

But who's that looking lost in the parking lot? It's Sally Grubbs, the archbishop's secretary, who can't find her car! We drive her through the mammoth airport parking lot and it's finally found.

Such a long wait at the parking lot exit.

"NINE DOLLARS FOR PARKING!!! That's ridiculous!"

The Friday afternoon traffic is bumper to bumper and no one seems to be going anywhere.

The archbishop's secretary sails past us on the freeway. But we left the airport before she did!

There's a stalled car blocking two lanes of traffic, but according to the WSB sky-copter, all the freeways are in a mess.

Typical Friday afternoon. We're definitely back in Atlanta!

Perhaps if Father Burtenshaw likes the coverage of a bishop's ordination, he might send us to cover the next Pope …

Forget it!