With Praise and Gratitude

On the eve of the Mass of Welcome Nov. 17, nearly 1000 visiting cardinals, bishops, clergy, religious and faithful including representatives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and family and friends of Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio gathered for Solemn Vespers at St. Dominic Church.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond presided over the service during which Coadjutor Archbishop James Checchio made a profession of faith, declaring his belief in all that the Catholic Church teaches, proclaims and holds to be true. He then placed his hand upon the Book of the Gospels and made an Oath of Fidelity promising obedience and loyalty to Pope Leo and his successors and to serve with charity, diligence and fidelity to the Gospel in his ministry to the faithful of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York was the homilist for Vespers and with his characteristic wit and poignancy, preached on the themes of praise and gratitude to God. Cardinal Dolan also drew attention to the significance of celebrating these special liturgies honoring and welcoming Coadjutor Archbishop Checchio around the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne who became known as “the woman who prays always”.

“O St. Peter, he showed, did he not,” preached Cardinal Dolan. “He showed the depth of his loyalty to Jesus by suffering crucifixion upside down - so appropriate for the fisherman who had his life turned topsy turvy by the son of God who called him on the shores of Galilee. And on that upside down cross he gave testimony that he was indeed head over heals in love with Jesus and his Church.”

Following Vespers, the congregation gathered for a reception hosted by St. Dominic Parish.