Faithful rejoice at consecration of Auxiliary Bishop Chau
Following his episcopal consecration on Sept. 8, the newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau said that the presence of so many “from near and far” in the packed Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart reminded him “of the great responsibility and honor bestowed upon me by the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by the successors of the Apostles.”
The path that led Bishop Chau to that moment – his emigration from Nicaragua to the United States as a teenager and the winding journey that led him back to the Catholic faith and priesthood – was truly unique.
Many lives touched
The diversity of worshippers in the Cathedral Basilica also bore witness to the many different lives Bishop Chau has touched during his life and ministry.
His work as a chaplain for the Archdiocesan Ministry with the Deaf was reflected in the group from the Deaf Community sitting in the front pews. The large number of clergy who came to concelebrate the ordination Mass demonstrated their affection for a friend and brother priest.
Many from the Spanish-speaking community also filled the aisles, showing their enthusiastic support for the first Nicaraguan-born bishop in the United States. Parishioners from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart were also in attendance to pray for and cheer on the man who had led their parish community for the last five years.
Hundreds of others watched the celebration via livestream.
Leading “from within”
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, was the principal celebrant and ordaining bishop for the bilingual ordination Mass. Concelebrating were Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio for the United States, along with numerous archbishops and bishops.
During his homily, Cardinal Tobin reminded worshippers that to imitate Jesus, the Good Shepherd, means to “lead from within.” The shepherd lives “close to his flock, and the flock recognizes his voice,” the cardinal said.
Addressing the bishop-elect, Cardinal Tobin reminded him that he was not alone. The cardinal told the bishop-elect that in his ordination, he would receive “the grace and the task of recognizing, discerning and bringing together in unity the gifts that the Spirit pours out on individuals and communities, especially of this Archdiocese.” He encouraged the bishop-elect to work with the clergy and “all the faithful,” who are “co-responsible with you for ministerial service in this local church.”
He also asked those gathered not to have “unrealistic expectations” of the newly-ordained bishop or any of the other bishops serving the Archdiocese, as they are “in need of help like everyone else.”
Ordination and first blessing
After the homily, Bishop-elect Chau promised that he would guard the faith and resolve to discharge the office of bishop. As the bishop-elect prostrated himself before the altar, the congregation prayed for him. He then knelt before Cardinal Tobin, who laid his hands upon the bishop-elect’s head, followed by Bishops Emeritus John W. Flesey and Gregory J. Studerus, acting as co-consecrators. The other archbishops and bishops did the same.
After Cardinal Tobin proclaimed the Prayer of Ordination, the newly ordained Bishop Chau had his head and hands anointed before receiving the Book of the Gospels, his episcopal ring, miter and pastoral staff. He was then presented by Cardinal Tobin to the congregation, which enthusiastically applauded and cheered.
The response was even more spirited when Bishop Chau was led through the Cathedral Basilica after Communion to offer his first blessing.
Words of thanks and love in many languages
In remarks made after his first episcopal blessing, Bishop Chau expressed “my gratitude toward Almighty God” and Pope Leo XIV, along with Pope Francis “for calling me to the honorable role of auxiliary bishop of Newark.”
He also thanked Cardinal Pierre, who notified him of his appointment, and Cardinal Tobin for his trust and support.
“I honestly, with all my heart, look forward to working closely with you in advancing your pastoral plan initiative, We Are His Witnesses, alongside my brother auxiliary bishops, our priests and all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark,” he said.
He then thanked his brother auxiliaries for their support and the priests of the Archdiocese: “I pray that I may be able to be a source of encouragement and support to you in my ministry as an auxiliary bishop.”
Bishop Chau had special words for the Deaf Community, whom he addressed in American Sign Language. He signed:
“Jesus is the true shepherd. Pray for me that I may remain in Christ’s love in my service to you and that I may reflect for you the image of the Good Shepherd. To the Deaf Community that has been my little flock for 17 years, I promise to continue walking with you and leading you to Jesus for as long as I am able. I promise you. I love you.”
In Spanish, Bishop Chau addressed “my dear Hispanic community.”
“Your faith and devotion are a great gift of life for the Church in the United States,” he said. “Continue, brothers, to be a Church that goes out, seeking the lost sheep of the flock of the Good Shepherd.”
To the Nicaraguan community, he added: “Do not forget — God is with us and God is with Nicaragua.”
Finally, Bishop Chau also addressed his family. He thanked his mother “for all the many rosaries – three, four, five times a day – that you pray for me. I need it, so don’t stop praying those rosaries for me!”
Bishop Chau will serve as regional bishop of Hudson County, succeeding Bishop Studerus, who has now retired but will continue to serve the Archdiocese of Newark.
You can read more about Bishop Chau’s story of faith, family and service HERE.
View more images of the ordination in our PHOTO GALLERY.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., presided at the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau on Sept. 8. (Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera / Archdiocese of Newark)
