Ordination Mass of Bishop Richard Henning-The Best of Catholicism

I attended the ordination Mass of auxiliary Bishop Richard Henning yesterday in St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Center, Long Island.  It was a glorious day! The sun was shining. With a filled cathedral and his family and friends overflowing with joy and gratitude, with a magnificent choir to set the tone, it was a faith-filled day to remember.
Bishop John Barres, the bishop of Rockville Centre officiated, with the auxiliary bishops of Rockville Centre, retired Bishop Murphy and many bishops and priests from the Diocese and beyond. Cardinal Dolan was also in attendance. As well as many Brothers and students from Chaminade High School. The Sisters of Life were there too, as well as other Religious.  The lay members of the Church, from many Long Island parishes, who traveled from all parts of the island, attended too.  I should not leave out, the affable Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Most Reverend Christopher Pierre, who loved sharing that when he called Bishop Henning to tell him the good news, Bishop Henning was driving on the Southern State Parkway and had the good sense to pull over.........
I attended with two friends and afterward at the Reception,  met many employees and volunteers from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, where Bishop Henning was the rector before being appointed bishop.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Henning, a native of Long Island and a graduate of Chaminade High School  spoke and his talk was outstanding. Using metaphors such as surfing, the ocean, waiting for the perfect wave with patience, it was thought-provoking, deeply moving and very down to earth too. On the way home we discussed it in the car and we had each gained from it.
He remarked that he had been on retreat before the installation Mass, and the retreat leader  had given the retreatants advice and suggestions and something to take away, which we can all do and learn from. Bishop Henning said he had been repeating those short prayers throughout the day, which gave him courage.
Firstly, in the morning begin by saying, "Jesus I consecrate myself to you." During the day, repeat, "Jesus I trust in you." (That famous short prayer was given to St. Faustina by Jesus, it's powerful and to the point!) And lastly before going to sleep, say, "Jesus have mercy on me."
We agreed on the way home that we could all add that to our spiritual disciplines....easy enough.
It was a beautiful day, the best of Catholicism. There is so much beauty in the Church. One friend noted correctly, that time passed by so quickly though the Mass was about two and a half hours. During the ritual, the sacred Mass, which gives glory to God, time was caught up in the eternal.
God continue to bless Bishop Henning as he grows into his new and important role in the Church.
NJA

Ordination of Bishop Richard Henning on Long Island

I'm very excited to attend the episcopal Ordination of Bishop -Elect Richard Henning tomorrow at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY. Bishop Henning is very deserving of this great honor. I know his good works from volunteering at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY for many years as part of a fundraising volunteer group, "The Friends of the Seminary." I was both the Vice President and President of that good organization. I am still an active member. Bishop Henning as the previous rector of the Seminary (before being appointed an Auxiliary Bishop by Bishop Barres) worked to make sure the Seminary remained vital and he contributed much to making sure it was a place of retreat, learning, growth and financial stability. The Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist reside there and give holy retreats there, year round, which has helped make the Seminary known throughout Long Island and beyond.  The grounds of the Seminary are beautiful, close to the Long Island Sound and a place where nature remains unspoiled.
So it's all good.
God's blessings upon Bishop Henning and his future good works for the Church of God.
NJA