VANCOUVER — Archbishop Richard Smith’s installation Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral May 23 was resplendent in pageantry, flawless in organization, and liturgically solemn.
But the defining moment of the evening came not from ceremony, but near the end of Archbishop Smith’s thank-you remarks — offered to everyone from high-ranking clergy, to friends and family who had travelled from afar, to the cathedral staff and volunteers. Then, with a pause, he added a final word of thanks: “that I offer on behalf of us all, Archbishop Michael Miller…”
He never finished the sentence. The cathedral faithful erupted in sustained applause, rising to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation that left Archbishop Miller gazing silently at the floor until the minute-long show of appreciation subsided.
As the congregation settled back into their pews, Archbishop Smith continued, “I obviously don’t need to say anything more,” he quipped, “but I shall.”
He went on to say it quickly became clear to him “how immensely grateful are the people of this local church” for Archbishop Miller’s strong and wise leadership, “and in what high esteem you are held.”
He praised the retiring archbishop’s “exceptional generosity,” especially his decision to remain in office nearly four years past the usual retirement age at the request of Pope Francis.
Smith closed by offering thanks for Archbishop Miller’s episcopal ministry, and prayed that he be blessed “with much consolation and peace as you enter a new stage of discipleship.”
Also attending were Canada’s apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, archbishop of Quebec and primate of Canada, Bishop William McGrattan, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as bishops from across Canada, including many who came from the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
More to come.
