Two priests ordained auxiliary bishops

Wednesday, July 11 was an important day for two priests who were ordained auxiliary bishops in the Roman Catholic Church.

Monsignor Raymond Chappetto from Astoria, and Monsignor Paul Sanchez from Brooklyn, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, were ordained at a mass that took place in Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic Church.

Both newly ordained bishops will now be assisting Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the head of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, to serve the sacramental, spiritual and pastoral needs of the 1.4 million multicultural Catholics who reside in the two boroughs.

”We try to look at the lives of apostles,” said DiMarzio. “Although they were very different then, they all had different contributions to make,” he added.

“Some weren’t so successful, and others were very successful; but, we look at the virtues, more than the failures to recognize that with God’s help, we can do a lot.”

The mass began at 2 p.m., with a prior procession of the Knights of Columbus, followed by deacons, priests, lectors, the Gospel Deacon and the chancellor, among others.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, read the proclamation letter from the Pope in which he appointed them and bestowed a “strong spirit,” and “devotion of their virtues and skills,” upon the church and its followers.

The new bishops were entrusted with a mission. They are to “add members,” and ensure the continuity of faith,” as well as serve the church night and day.

Sanchez commented, ”We [Bishop Dimarzio, Bishop Chappetto and I] love people, and we love being with them. We want to be able to continue to do that,” he said. “People bring such an experience of love, love for their faith, and love for God. “

When asked about his biggest challenge, he said, “I guess really keeping my energy level up and being available to people.”

Chappetto also gave a statement. He noted, “This is a great day. To see all the great priests that are here, my good friends in the priesthood, and the fellow priests at the diocese– the bishops who came, who traveled, it’s so good to have them here, thank you.”

“The ceremony was a great honor for the parish of Our Lady of Angels and the entire Bay Ridge community. The fact that these two men were chosen by Pope Benedict to serve all of Brooklyn’s Catholics is awe-inspiring. It was a moving experience,” remarked Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, who attended the event.