Archbishop O'Brien calls it 'an honor' to lead historic archdiocese

Published: 2007-10-02

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- A joyous crowd of about 2,000 people filled the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore Oct. 1 to celebrate the installation of Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien as the 15th archbishop of Baltimore. In a ceremony rich with tradition, Archbishop O'Brien called it "an honor and a privilege" to serve as the spiritual leader of more than 500,000 Catholics in the archdiocese. "Whatever I am, and all that I have I give to you," he said in a homily that was interrupted several times by applause. "And until that day when he calls me to judgment, I will seek to serve you with the wholehearted love of Jesus Christ." He succeeds Cardinal William H. Keeler, who retired after heading the archdiocese for 18 years. Eight cardinals and nearly 70 archbishops and bishops from across the country and around the world attended the ceremony. More than 400 priests and 62 deacons joined the bishops in an opening procession that lasted more than 30 minutes.

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