:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7O46HDQNYBLV76XEEMTG7SLH6Q.jpg)
ROCKFORD – For a religion deeply rooted in tradition, Monday’s ordination of Bishop David J. Malloy marked a new beginning for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford and its churches.
Monsignor Malloy, 56, was ordained as the ninth bishop of the diocese.
“The day of the consecration of a new bishop is both for the man himself, as well as the people he will serve, a singular moment; a new beginning,” Malloy wrote in a letter to the diocese.
The Rockford diocese serves an estimated 456,965 Catholics in McHenry, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb, Kane, Whiteside and Lee counties.
Malloy was installed in solemn ceremony by outgoing Bishop Thomas G. Doran and Archbishop of Chicago Francis Cardinal George, and an assembly of priests, deacons and congregants from throughout the diocese.
“Through the eyes of faith we can see the intention of Christ to continue His work through the ages,” Malloy said. “From the Jerusalem of yesterday to the Rockford of today.”
Malloy was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI in March after the pontiff accepted the resignation of Doran, who is of retirement age.
As the spicy aroma of incense filled the auditorium of the BMO Harris Bank Center and a large chorus sang hymns, Bishop Malloy promised to lead the flock of faithful, proclaiming “I do” in a deep, boisterous voice as George questioned him about his willingness and resolve to become a bishop.
Local religious leaders and deacons attended the ceremony, including Deacon Donald Miller from St. Margaret Mary Parish of Algonquin. Monday also was special for Miller – it marked his seventh year since becoming a deacon.
He said he was deeply moved by “the Holy Spirit” he felt radiating through the auditorium. “It wasn’t not just words, it was real,” Miller said. “It was very, very moving.”
Adding to the enthusiasm at the BMO Harris Center was the large crowd, on its feet, clapping, cheering and waving as a processional led Malloy through the arena doors.
Miller said he has faith in the bishop selection process and talked of the importance of Malloy’s new role. The bishop is the highest office of ordination.
“You can tell how hungry the people are for a good leader,” Miller said. “The people love being shepherded by someone they can have faith in. And that was evident. As we were processing out, people were cheering for him.”
After Malloy was installed, he said the rest of the Mass, offering his first Communion as bishop. He closed with remarks thanking those who helped him get to his post, even those who came from his St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Geneva, Wis., where Malloy served before being named bishop-elect.
Malloy promised to work with parishes as one united body.
“I look forward to getting to know each parish … in the diocese,” Malloy said during his remarks. “Please pray for me each and every day. I will be praying for you.”
About David J. Malloy
Who is he? Ninth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford.
Born: Feb 3, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wis.
Parents: David and Mary Malloy.
Siblings: Mary Ellen, Daniel, Father Francis, Robert, Richard.
Ordained priesthood: July 1, 1983
Some past positions: Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Pakistan and Syria; Secretary to the Permanent Observer Mission to the Holy See; The Perfecture of the Papal Household; General Secretary, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.