RMG - Anticipation for the episcopal ordination of Card. Ángel Fernández Artime and Bishop Giordano Piccinotti

17 April 2024

(ANS - Rome) - There is an air of great expecation throughout the Salesian world for the celebration of the Mass of the episcopal consecration of Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Titular Archbishop-elect of Ursona; and that of Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, Titular Archbishop-elect of Gradisca, President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), which will take place next Saturday, 20 April 2024, in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, starting at 3:30 p.m. (UTC+2). Both prelates will concelebrate their First Mass as bishops the following day, Sunday, 21st April, in the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome, starting at 11:30am.

The Episcopal Ordination ceremony of the Rector Major and the President of the APSA inevitably draws significant attention and the desire to participate from numerous people worldwide. Many other distinguished ecclesiastical personalities will take part in the liturgy, starting with the principal Consecrator of the two Salesians, Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig, Emeritus Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and the Republic of San Marino, and the two co-consecrators, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco; and Mons. Lucas Van Looy, SDB, Emeritus Bishop of Ghent, Belgium.

In addition, Salesian Cardinals Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay; Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, Archbishop Emeritus of Tegucigalpa; and Riccardo Ezzati Andrello, Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago de Chile, have also confirmed their participation. There will also be members of the General Council of the Salesian Congregation and some of the Major Superiors and Leaders of the different groups of the Salesian Family.

However, for all those who will not be able to attend the episcopal ordination Mass in person, it will be possible to watch the live streaming, which will be shared on the Salesian Info Agency (ANS) YouTube channel with commentary in five languages: Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Also on ANSChannel - the YouTube channel of ANS - there will be a live broadcast of the First Mass as bishops of Card. Á.F. Artime and Mons. Piccinotti, scheduled for Sunday, April 21 at 11:30 am Italian time, as mentioned.

Meanwhile, in these days leading up to the event, within the Salesian community at the Central Headquarters, there is a strong sense of anticipation for witnessing an event of great significance. This is evidenced by the Major Superiors themselves, those who - with more years of experience - better understand the unique nature of the occasion.

"I feel privileged to be able to witness from up close, an event so special for the life of the Congregation and the Church: for a serving Superior General of a Congregation to be created a Cardinal and then a Bishop is something unique in history and certainly a sign of a very beautiful and positive moment for the life of the Salesian Society. Personally, I invoke abundant grace upon him and every blessing for the mission entrusted to him," said Father Hilário Passero, a Brazilian Salesian and the "dean" of ANS translators.

Fr. Elio Torrigiani, spiritual director at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, also echoes this sentiment: "The Episcopal Ordination for the Rector Major and Mons. Piccinotti is a gift from the Church to the Congregation, as well as a gift from the Congregation to the Church. They are both young and qualified, with a forward-looking vision and great leadership skills. I am certain that they will be able to make a significant contribution, characterized by creativity and substance, to the Church."

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