Bishop McDonnell installed as bishop of Springfield, Mass.

Published: 2004-04-05

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CNS) -- Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell promised to be a listener and apologized to victims of clergy sexual abuse during ceremonies April 1 installing him as the eighth bishop of Springfield. Just two days earlier the diocese announced that the establishment of a special fund to assist such victims was nearly complete. The two-hour installation ceremony began with Bishop McDonnell's reception at the door of St. Michael's Cathedral. Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley of Boston greeted him and presented him with a crucifix and holy water. Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, papal nuncio to the United States, read the official papal letter appointing the 66-year-old former New York auxiliary to the Springfield Diocese. At the bishop's chair Archbishop O'Malley handed Bishop McDonnell his crosier and introduced him to the congregation, which gave him a lengthy standing ovation.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .