Rite of Ordination

Bishop-Elect Fleming makes Promise of Elect.-Photo by Ashley Jaeger Photography

Bishop-Elect Fleming lays prostrate during Litany of Supplication.-Photo by Ashley Jaeger Photography

Laying Prostrate

During ordinations and consecrations, it is customary in the Catholic tradition, for individuals to lay prostrate before God, prior to the act of ordination or consecration. This act symbolizes the individual’s humility. For Bishop Elect Fleming, this act also symbolized his unworthiness for the office, and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community of the diocese. During this time the Litany of the Saints was sung, which reminded all in attendance of the Communion of Saints.

Bishop Warfel lays hands on Bishop-Elect Fleming.–Photo by Ashley Jaeger Photography

Laying on of Hands

All Bishops and a Cardinal Roger Mahoney in attendance, beginning with Bishop Warfel, laid hands on the head of Bishop Elect Fleming. Through this action, the Bishops are calling the Holy Spirit upon Bishop Elect Fleming to set him apart for the ministry of Bishop, for which he has been called. This action was done in the earliest days of the Church, as is evidenced in Sacred Scripture. Some Bishops of today trace their Episcopal Lineage, through the laying on of hands, as far back as the fifteenth century.

Bishop-Elect Fleming laying prostrate during Litany of Supplication.-Photo by Thomas Dotterweich

Bishop Warfel reads Prayer at end of Litany of Supplication.-Photo by Ashley Jaeger Photography

Archbishop Alexander Sample lays hands on Bishop-Elect Fleming.-Photo by Thomas Dotterweich

Bishop Austin Vetter lays hands on Bishop-Elect Fleming.-Photo by Ashley Jaeger Photography

Cardinal Roger Mahoney lays hands on Bishop-Elect Fleming.-Photo by Shanny Murphy

Bishop Michael Warfel lays hands on Bishop-Elect Fleming.-Photo by Shanny Murphy