Bishop Baker installed as fourth bishop of Birmingham

Published: 2007-10-08

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (CNS) -- Bishop Robert J. Baker was installed as the fourth bishop of Birmingham at the Cathedral of St. Paul Oct. 2, a beautiful fall day that was the feast of the Guardian Angels. The three-hour ceremony began with Bishop Baker knocking at the Birmingham cathedral door, signaling his willingness to enter and become head of the diocese. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the mandate from Pope Benedict XVI appointing Bishop Baker. Archbishop Sambi and Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile escorted Bishop Baker to the cathedra, the chair that symbolizes a bishop's teaching office and his pastoral authority in the local church. Archbishop Lipscomb then presented him with the crosier, the pastoral staff that is the symbol of his office. "I am happy to be the new bishop of Birmingham," Bishop Baker told the congregation. He also thanked his predecessor, retired Bishop David E. Foley, for his "devoted leadership." Bishop Foley retired in May 2005, but was diocesan administrator until Bishop Baker's installation.

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