Bishop Olmsted installed in Phoenix

Published: 2003-12-23

PHOENIX (CNS) -- In the presence of family, friends, high-ranking church officials and community representatives, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted was installed Dec. 20 as the fourth bishop of Phoenix during a ceremony steeped in Catholic tradition and pageantry. Stretching the limits of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral's seating capacity, more than 2,300 people sang, prayed and worshiped with Bishop Olmsted, who exuded joy and a natural calm during the nearly two-and-a-half-hour celebration. The multilingual installation Mass was a fitting Christmas gift to the people of the diocese from Pope John Paul II, who appointed Bishop Olmsted Nov. 25. The procession of deacons, priests, archbishops and Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles snaked its way outside the cathedral for 20 minutes before making its way into the church.

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