Montana native installed as 10th bishop of Helena

Published: 2004-06-22

HELENA, Mont. (CNS) -- Bells rang and music filled the Cathedral of St. Helena as more than 700 people gathered June 4 for the installation for Bishop George Leo Thomas as the 10th bishop of Helena. "I will work tirelessly to live up to the office of bishop entrusted to me," said the 54-year-old Montana-born bishop, who had been an auxiliary bishop in Seattle since 2000. "I promise to serve you faithfully, and love you as a shepherd, a brother and friend," he added. "My heart is filled with joy and enthusiasm, as we begin this journey of faith together." The papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, began the ceremony by reading the apostolic letter naming Bishop Thomas to his new post.

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