Bishop Braxton installed as 'servant leader' in Belleville Diocese

Published: 2005-06-29

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (CNS) -- More than 1,200 people gathered June 22 at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville to witness the installation of Bishop Edward K. Braxton as Belleville's eighth bishop. Among those walking in procession were 121 priests and 28 bishops and archbishops from neighboring dioceses and across the country. The installation began with a traditional evening prayer service June 21 at the cathedral. Father James Buerster, rector, met Bishop Braxton at the entrance to the cathedral to welcome him to the diocese "as a servant leader to God's people in southern Illinois." The following day Bishop Braxton entered the cathedral to be formally installed as bishop. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago told those gathered that Bishop Braxton "is a man of great talents, many diverse talents, all of which are at your service, at the service" of the diocese.

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