Episcopal ordination of new Los Angeles auxiliary attracts 3,000

Published: 2004-11-11

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The sanctuary of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles overflowed Nov. 4 with people who had come from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and beyond to witness the episcopal ordination of new Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar. The ancient ceremony, witnessed by 3,000 clergy and laity as well as more than a dozen interfaith religious leaders, was conducted in Latin, English, Spanish and Korean. The latter two languages acknowledged Bishop Salazar's native country of Costa Rica as well as the significant Asian community residing within the San Pedro pastoral region which will be his responsibility. Red-uniformed junior high students from the school at St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Silverlake, where the new bishop had been pastor for 10 years, preceded the solemn entrance procession. Among those in the procession were 25 co-ordaining bishops and the principal ordaining bishop, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony.

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