The Rite of Ordination

During the Mass for the Ordination of a Bishop the rites concerning the consecration and installation of the new bishop take place after the liturgy of the Word.

After the Gospel was sung by Rev. Gerald Sharkey,  a deacon of the Pontifical Scots College, following tradition the congregation prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Veni Creator Spiritus.

The Presentation of the Candidate

Bishop-Elect Tartaglia stood before the Archbishop accompanied by his two priest sponsors. Monsignor Carlin, a personal friend of the Bishop-elect and priest of the Diocese of Paisley asked the Archbishop to ordain Bishop-elect. After inquiring that a mandate was present from the Holy See, the Archbishop called for the reading of the mandate.

The mandate was given by the Bishop-Elect to Monsignor Joseph Marino, the First Counsellor at the Apostolic Nunciature, who showed the mandate to the diocesan college of consultors and then read it to the congregation.

Archbishop Conti then gave a homily. The Bishop-Elect is pictured listening to the Archbishop's words.

Examination of the Candidate

As he stood before the Archbishop, the Bishop-Elect was asked eight questions handed down by the Church's tradition before he could proceed to be ordained. The Archbishop then invited the congregation to pray to the saints for the person to be ordained. During the Litany of the Saints  the Bishop-Elect prostrated himself as the Church in Heaven and on earth prayed for him.

Laying on of Hands

Two essential elements of the Ordination are the Laying on of Hands and the Prayer of Consecration. Archbishop Conti, followed by the two appointed co-consecrating Bishops (Archbishop Raymond Burke & Bishop John Mone), and then the other Bishops present laid hands on the Bishop-Elect.

The Book of the Gospels and Prayer of Consecration

The open Book of the Gospels was then placed over the Bishop-elect's head and then the prayer of consecration sung by the Archbishop. The central words were spoken together by all the bishops present:

So now pour out upon this chosen one that power which is from you, the governing Spirit whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit given by him to the holy apostles, who founded the Church in every place to be your temple for the unceasing glory and praise of your name.

Anointing of the Bishop's Head

The new Bishop was then anointed on the head with the Sacred Chrism as the Archbishop said: God has brought you to share the high priesthood of Christ, may he pour out on you the oil of mystical anointing and enrich you with spiritual blessings.

Presentation of the Book of the Gospels

the Archbishop then presented the new Bishop with the Book of the Gospels.

Investiture with Ring, Mitre and Pastoral Staff

As the Archbishop spoke the following words, Bishop John Mone, the third Bishop of Paisley handed the pastoral staff to Bishop Philip Tartaglia, the fourth Bishop of Paisley: Take this staff as a sign of your pastoral office: keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you to shepherd the Church of God.

Seating of the Bishop & Sign of Peace

The new Bishop of Paisley then was led to the Cathedra by Archbishop Conti.

The new Bishop exchanged the Kiss of Peace with the other Bishop's present.

Profession of Faith

The new Bishop then invited the assembly to make the Profession of Faith. The Creed is recited during each Sunday celebration of the Eucharist.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Bishop Philip then presided over the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Hymn of Thanksgiving and Blessing

As part of the concluding rites the hymn Te Deum was sung. Meanwhile the newly ordained bishop, after taking the staff, was led by two of the consecrating bishops and assisting priests through the church and the hall and he blessed the congregation.

Address of the New Bishop

After returning from the Cathedral halls, which provided an overflow for almost 500 people, the Bishop addressed the congregation. The text of this address can be found by following the link below.

Bishop's Address at the Conclusion of the Mass

Recessional Procession

Bishop Philip Tartaglia with his Brother, Fr. Gerard Tartaglia

Bishop Tartaglia with Family

All pictures by Paul McSherry

The Entrance Procession

Mandate from the Holy See  (pictured left, a translation of the Apostolic Letter is on the page dedicated it. )

Mgr. Marino reading the Papal Bull

Mgr. Marino also gave a Message from the Papal Nuncio, which can be read by clicking here

Homily - Archbishop Conti's Homily can be read by clicking here.

The Bishop-Elect is accompanied by his Brother, Fr. Gerard Tartaglia and friend Fr. Peter Gallacher.

The Bishop-elect prostrates during the Litany of the Saints.

Archbishop Conti at the laying on of hands.

Bishop John Mone, Bishop-Emeritus of Paisley at the laying on of hands.

Cardinal Keith Patrick O'Brien at the laying on of hands.

Receive the Gospels and preach the word of God with unfailing patience and sound teaching.

Take this ring, the seal of your fidelity. With faith and love protect the bride of God, his holy Church.

Before the Mitre is placed on the new Bishop's head, Archbishop Conti places the zuchetto on his head.

Cardinal O'Brien and Bishop Tartaglia exchange the Sign of Peace.

During the Creed all bow in commemoration of the Incarnation.

The Congregation shares the Sign of Peace