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A prayer for our new archbishop
By Julie Filby
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The front cover, pictured below:
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Catholics in northern Colorado have the opportunity to participate in the selection of Denver’s new archbishop. Last month, the Office of Liturgy for the Denver Archdiocese announced they have developed a prayer card titled “Prayer For Our New Archbishop.”
“It’s important that all the faithful realize that holy Mother Church will send a bishop to meet the needs of this diocese through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” said Deacon Charles Parker, director of liturgy. “And we have a great opportunity to participate in that by praying.”
On July 19, Pope Benedict XVI named former Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., the archbishop of Philadelphia. He was installed in Philadelphia Sept. 8. It is expected to be at least eight to 12 months before a new archbishop is named.
“There is discernment at the level of the apostolic nunciature, which is the pope’s representative in the United States, and the Vatican Congregation for Bishops before the Holy Father himself chooses a new archbishop,” explained James D. Flynn, vice chancellor.
During the time of transition between Archbishop Chaput’s departure, and the naming of a new archbishop, the Vatican appointed Bishop James D. Conley—auxiliary bishop of Denver since May 2008—as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.
“The Archdiocese of Denver, Bishop Conley and the Holy Father need our prayers,” said Flynn. “The best thing we can do is pray for our current leadership, and our next archbishop, and continue in the work of the new evangelization in northern Colorado.”
The prayer for Denver’s new archbishop was written by Deacon Parker; Religious Sister of Mercy Esther Mary Nickel, assistant professor of sacred liturgy and sacramental theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary; and John Miller, associate director of liturgy. It was reviewed and approved by Bishop Conley and Msgr. Thomas Fryar, moderator of the curia.
“We opened our new Roman Missal (third edition) and took the first part of the prayer from that,” said Deacon Parker, “We made it specific to northern Colorado, then we just basically asked: ‘What do we want from a new bishop?’”
Many of these qualities were found in the 14-year legacy of Archbishop Chaput.
“What legacy did Archbishop Charles leave?” asked Deacon Parker. “He governed us with justice, he sanctified us by his example of holiness, and he was an instrument of God’s mercy.
“We thought those would be good things to pray for; that someone with those qualities could follow in his footsteps.”
One side of the card includes the text of the prayer. The other side is a graphic illustration that includes a photo of each of Denver’s seven bishops, beginning with founding bishop, Joseph P. Machebeuf. The card was designed by Filippo Piccone, production manager of the Denver Catholic Register and El Pueblo Católico newspapers.
More than 10,000 prayer cards were printed by Egan Printing Company, and are being distributed to parishes. In addition, a high-resolution downloadable version is available online by clicking here, for parishes and individuals to print copies.
“We would hope that parishes will make the cards available or print the prayer in their bulletins,” said Deacon Parker. “And that individuals will download and print cards from the website.”
Individuals who do not have computer access, can contact Tony Schoenberger in the Liturgy Office at 303-715-3221.
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