The celebration was presided by Pope Francis at the altar of the Chair of St. Peter, in the eponymous basilica of the Vatican City, a few meters from the tomb of the first vicar of Christ. In a brief but intense homily, the Holy Father recalled the essence of the episcopal ministry: “The bishop is a servant, pastor, father, brother, never a mercenary ... He is responsible more for service than domination, according to the commandment of the Master: 'Whoever is the greatest among you, become like the smallest'”.
The Pope also indicated that the neighbors closest to the bishop are priests and deacons. “Be close to the priests: very close! When they look for you, have them find you immediately, without bureaucracy: directly. Be close to the poor, the defenseless and those who need acceptance and help.”
Pope Francis also added: “It is Christ, in fact, who in the ministry of the bishop continues to preach the Gospel of salvation; it is Christ who continues to sanctify believers, through the sacraments of faith. It is Christ who in the paternity of the bishop increases his body, which is the Church, with new members. It is Christ who in the wisdom and prudence of the bishop guides the people of God on earthly pilgrimage to eternal happiness.”
Indicated by the same Mgr. Lorenzelli, they co-consecrated Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, his formator and professor, with the Holy Father; and Msgr. Celestino Aós, Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese where he will carry out his ministry, Santiago de Chile. As accompanier, there were Fr Pier Fausto Frisoli, his formation companion and current Procurator of the Congregation, and Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major. Also present were Fr Carlo Lira, the current Salesian Provincial in Chile.
On Sunday, June 23, at 11:00, Msgr. Lorenzelli celebrated his first Mass as a Bishop and, in the homily, thanked those present, especially his relatives, citing his father and his relatives who are already in Heaven with special affection.
During a brief interview granted to the Chilean media, the new bishop said he wanted to bring joy "to the Chilean people, who welcomed me with great affection and hope. Chile is a loving country, which has a great spiritual feeling, with a profound religiosity, where we must build communion and trust. I inserted in the motto that will accompany me as Bishop, 'bring joy'. I personally believe that there are many more things and realities that make us happy with respect to problems and difficulties ... We must bear witness to the faith, be believers, credible and authentic."
