Writing while watching the Installation Mass of Bishop Mark A. Eckman, July 14, 2025

Writing while watching the Installation Mass of Bishop Mark A. Eckman, July 14, 2025

It brings tears of joy and assurance that the Roman Catholic Church has not slipped away into antiquity.  I know how important these days will ring out loudly and with strength through the Holy Spirit and the continuance of the Catholic Church that God is fully alive and will continue on until the Lord comes in victory from his eternity.

Watching this Mass reminds me of being one of the deacons of the Mass for two newly installed as bishops to lead the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Bishop Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua on October 10, 1993, and Bishop the Most  Reverend David A. Zubick on July 18, 2007.  It was more than my being selected for that ministry but the fact that installing bishops of a diocese is a reminder of the Apostles being assigned or chosen to spread the gospel of Christ to new Christians finding their way into the task of continuing the Gospel around the world. 

For most people, the clergy are part of the Church and are there to assist them in matters of scripture, sacraments, and any questions regarding God.   Otherwise, they sit around waiting to commit to assignments on Sundays and other parish commitments.  But, to us who wear a roman collar or deacons with a symbolic cross with a stole pinned to our lapels, there is a whole other classification that only we can adhere to and some of that can be felt with a Mass like this.  There is a camaraderie that is shared among the clergy that could overwhelm the average parishioner. 

Those who are ordained for one or several years will begin to feel this.  Ordained for 51 years or more, like myself, it is a matter of understanding time and effort put into a ministry that is not sought after as much as adhered with for God.  Disappointments are regular when people you seek to assist quickly turn away if their problems do not disappear the way they thought they would.  However, when you see a person dying who has been away from church or God is elated when they know God does care and stands with them as they prepare to meet the Lord.  These are the results of clergy, and women religious, who sacrifice their lives or many hours of self-giving to care for even one person who is lost.  In a celebration, like this new bishop’s installation, these hidden thanks are silent, but the cheers from a hurting fellow-human screaming out thankfulness only the administering clergy sometimes hear.   

So when you smile, cry at times, or raise your arms in appreciation of this bishop, know that there may be events you’ll never learn that he will find as he ministers to his flock. 

Keep on cheering for he may have to sleep on the events that will test his faith for his people that God has called him to wrap their fears with hope and love.

Ralph B. Hathaway